Cystic lesions of the liver – diagnostics and treatment

Cystic lesions of the liver represent a heterogeneous group of disorders, characterized by various aetiology, prevalence and clinical manifestation. Most of the cysts have a benign course and are found incidentally in abdomen imaging studies. In certain circumstances cysts can cause clinical symptoms, and occasionally may be associated with serious complications and even death. Cross-sectional imaging studies with ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) are usually used for routine diagnosis. In patients with biliary cysts endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, MR-cholangiography or endoscopic ultrasound is more useful. Histological examination is seldom needed for final diagnosis, but in atypical changes is strongly recommended. Although a number of therapeutic approaches have been described, there is no consensus concerning optimal treatment of patients with symptomatic hepatic cysts, and various centres rely on their own experience in this matter. In our paper we discuss diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cystic lesions of the liver.