Spontaneous rupture of non-parasitic or non-neoplastic multiple and giant liver cysts: report of a case

Doubly complicated: A case of massive non-parasitic liver cyst presenting with dyspnea and inferior vena cava compression: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Simple hepatic cysts, common benign liver conditions, are increasingly detected incidentally due to advancements in imaging technologies. While typically asymptomatic, complications such as compression of neighboring structures can arise, presenting unique diagnostic and management challenges. We present a doubly complicated case of a massive non-parasitic liver cyst in a 61-year-old female patient, manifesting with dyspnea and compression of the inferior vena cava.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old female with a history of treated hypertension presented with worsening dyspnea over six months. Physical examination revealed a large, painless abdominal mass, and imaging confirmed a 20 cm cystic liver mass compressing the inferior vena cava and exerting a mass effect on the diaphragm. Surgical exploration and deroofing of the cyst led to successful resolution.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The presentation of dyspnea in non-parasitic liver cysts is rare but notable, highlighting the importance of considering hepatic etiologies in respiratory symptoms. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound and CT play crucial roles in diagnosis, while MRI aids in ruling out biliary-cystic fistulas. Surgical management, particularly subcostal laparotomy, remains a viable option for complex cases.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of atypical presentations of non-parasitic liver cysts and the significance of imaging in diagnosis. Subcostal laparotomy, though associated with limitations, remains valuable in select cases. Further research comparing surgical approaches is warranted to optimize management strategies for symptomatic non-parasitic liver cysts.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of cystic liver diseases

The advent of enhanced radiological imaging techniques has facilitated the diagnosis of cystic liver lesions. Concomitantly, the evidence base supporting the management of these diseases has matured over the last decades. As a result, comprehensive clinical guidance on the subject matter is warranted. These Clinical Practice Guidelines cover the diagnosis and management of hepatic cysts, mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver, biliary hamartomas, polycystic liver disease, Caroli disease, Caroli syndrome, biliary hamartomas and peribiliary cysts. On the basis of in-depth review of the relevant literature we provide recommendations to navigate clinical dilemmas followed by supporting text. The recommendations are graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine system and categorised as 'weak' or 'strong'. We aim to provide the best available evidence to aid the clinical decision-making process in the management of patients with cystic liver disease.