Catheter-based drainage and agitation for definitive cytological diagnosis of a ciliated hepatic foregut cyst in a child

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst: a report of 6 cases and a review of the English literature

Background

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare cystic lesion most commonly identified in segment 4 of the liver that arises from the embryonic foregut. The classic histologic pattern is comprised of 4 distinct layers (inner ciliated epithelial lining, smooth muscle, loose connective tissue, fibrous capsule). Although rare, cases of metaplastic and malignant epithelial lining have been described in CHFC.

Methods

We report 6 additional cases of CHFC, one of which had gastric metaplasia of the cyst lining, and review all reported cases of CHFC in the English literature. We describe the clinicopathologic analysis of 6 cases, with selective immunohistochemical analysis on 1 case with gastric metaplasia.

Results

Cases occurred in 4 women and 2 men (average age 55 years, range 42 to 67 years). Cysts ranged in size from 0.7 to 17 cm (average 7.2 cm) and were grossly tan-pink to white with blood-filled contents. The majority were located in segment 4 of the liver, however 2 were located in the porta hepatis. Tumor serologies (CA19-9 and/or CEA) were performed in 3 cases; 1 case demonstrated elevated CA19-9, and 2 cases had laboratory values within normal limits. All cases showed the classic histologic findings, however one case additionally had extensive gastric metaplasia.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CHFC is a rare diagnostic entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cystic hepatic lesions, particularly those located in segment 4 of the liver. Metaplasia and squamous carcinoma can occur, therefore complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13000-015-0321-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bronchogenic/foregut cyst of the ileal mesentery in a child mimicking ovarian mass

Intraabdominal bronchogenic cysts, a type of foregut cyst, are very rare. We report a case in a 12-year-old female who presented with severe abdominal pain and, in radiology workup, a cystic lesion that mimicked ovarian mass.

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst: four case reports with a review of the literature

Ciliated hepatic foregut cysts (CHFCs) are rare congenital legions that arise from the embryonic foregut. The cysts are formed during fetal development by evagination from their respective portions of the foregut, and are characterized by a ciliated epithelial lining. Approximately 100 cases of CHFC have been reported, of which only 13 were in children. Although CHFC is typically benign, malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been reported in 3 cases. Survival rate after progression to malignancy is poor, as SCC in this setting is biologically aggressive. We present 4 new cases of CHFC in children between 5 months and 17 years old. Our cases are unusual, as some of the cysts exhibit multilocularity and biliary communication, and 2 of our patients were diagnosed under the age of 1. Additionally, 1 of the cysts was 19.3 cm in diameter, making it the largest reported CHFC to our knowledge. Ciliated hepatic foregut cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of hepatic lesions.

Ciliated hepatic foregut cysts in children

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare foregut developmental malformation usually diagnosed in adulthood; however, rare cases have been reported in the pediatric population. CHFC can transform into a squamous cell carcinoma resulting in death despite surgical resection of the isolated malignancy. We report the presentation, evaluation, and surgical management of a symptomatic 17-year-old girl found to have a 6.5 x 4.5 cm CHFC and suggest that all patients with suspected CHFC undergo prompt evaluation and complete cyst excision.

Prenatal and postnatal Ciliated Hepatic Foregut Cysts in infants

PURPOSE

Ciliated Hepatic Foregut Cyst (CHFC) is a rare congenital lesion arising from the embryonic foregut. Since squamous cell carcinomas arising from CHFC have been reported in adults, complete resection should be considered. We report our experience with CHFC.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 2 patients who had surgery after prenatal detection of a CHFC and 2 patients with postnatal diagnosis.

RESULTS

Two patients had antenatally detected liver cyst. Postnatal ultrasonography showed a cyst in segment IV, with wall calcifications and sediments. Bile ducts were encased in the wall of the cyst. They underwent central hepatectomy with double biliary diversion and uneventful post operative course. The two other patients underwent non anatomical resection of a cyst on the left lobe and in segment IV, found prior or during liver surgery. Pathology examination showed cysts filled with mucinous fluid, surrounded by an epithelium composed of ciliated cells. One case had a squamous metaplasia.

CONCLUSION

In infants, CHFC are found antenatally or incidentally. A solitary uni or mutilocular cyst with wall calcifications, sediments, located in the central liver segments should raise the diagnosis. Resection of large cysts in the central segments of the liver is challenging and biliary diversion should be considered.