Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst discovered after kidney transplantation in a hepatitis C virus-infected patient: a report of one case and review of the literature

Abstract

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare liver lesion derived from the embryonic foregut. In most cases, CHFC remains asymptomatic but some malignant transformations have been reported. Typical imaging features usually lead to diagnosis using ultrasonography, computed tomography scan examination or MRI. When the diagnosis remains uncertain, a fine needle aspiration with cytology is appropriate. The presence of ciliated epithelial cells with hepatocytes and mucous cells on aspiration cytology is enough to assess the diagnosis. Surgery is recommended when there is uncertain diagnosis or malignant lesion suspicion. We report herein, the case of a CHFC discovered in a hepatitis C virus-infected patient following a renal transplantation. To eliminate a lymphoma or a liver tumor arising because of patient's immunosuppression status, a surgical resection of the lesion was performed. The surgical outcome was uneventful. Regarding this case, embryogenesis, morphological characteristics and treatment of the lesions are discussed.