NONPARASITIC CYSTS OF THE LIVER

Solitary biliary cysts and polycystic liver disease are among the most frequent cystic lesions of the liver. Solitary biliary cysts have a p revalence of 1 to 2 percent; they are almost always asymptomatic and d o not require treatment. Ultrasonography shows a regular, round or ova l, entirely liquid and trans-sonic image sufficient to make the diagno sis. Complications are exceptional. Polycystic liver disease is associ ated with polycystic kidney disease in 50 percent of the cases, and th e prognosis depends on the degree of renal failure. In polycystic dise ase of the liver and kidney the hepatic cysts develop before the renal cysts. Complications (e.g. cyst infection) are rare and principally o bserved in patients with terminal renal failure. In patients with comp licated polycystic liver disease various treatments, such as needle as piration, alcohol sclerotherapy or surgery, must be considered.