Large symptomatic simple hepatic cyst with gastric compression treated with percutaneous drainage.

Abstract

Nonparasitic hepatic cysts consist of a heterogeneous group of disorders, which differ in etiology, prevalence, and manifestations. Simple hepatic cysts are considered nonparasitic ones. These are a result of congenital anomalies of the biliary system, and these may be single or multiple. Generally, hepatic cysts are incidentally found during occasional laparotomy or laparoscopy, necropsy, and even during routine ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan. Nowadays, with improving diagnostic techniques, hepatic cysts are becoming more common. Generally these lesions are asymptomatic. However, if they grow, they may become symptomatic. Symptoms depend on the size and location. When symptoms developed, these must be treated. Compressive complications due to local "liver mass" effect include: portal hypertension, edema due to caval compression, jaundice and arrhythmia and duodenal obstruction. Gastric extrinsic compression by liver cysts has been poorly described. Herein, we present a case of a female in whom percutaneous drainage of a large simple hepatic cysts not complicated was performed in order to reduce signs of gastric compression.