Hepatic cysts: a review of 219 cases diagnosed by ultrasonography in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Cystic lesions of the liver are being increasingly diagnosed because of improved methods and wider availability of liver imaging techniques. There is considerable confusion in the classification and management of such cysts. This study is an attempt to characterise liver cysts seen at hepatic ultrasonography. A retrospective analysis of all simple cysts of the liver diagnosed by ultrsonography at Hansa Medical Diagnostic Centre, Enugu, Nigeria during a 4-year period (2000-2003) was carried out. Information extracted from the records of patients included age, sex, clinical presentation, number and distribution of liver cysts, cysts in other organs and associated laboratory findings. Out of 21, 731 scans of the abdomen and pelvis carried out during the period, 219 (1.0%) had liver cysts. There were 82 males (37.4%) and 137 females (62.6%). Their ages ranged from 4 years to 78 years (mean = 53.23 + 15.77 years). One hundred and twenty three patients (56.16%) had multiple cysts and 96 patients (43.84%) had solitary cysts. There were associated renal cysts in 24 patients (10.96%). The right lobe of the liver was involved either exclusively or in combination with the left lobe in 195 patients (89.04%). Liver function abnormalities were rare. Liver cysts are common in Nigeria and may present serious problems of management to the clinician. Their characteristics are to some extent different from what have been reported in the developed world.

West African Journal of Radiology Vol. 13(1) 2006: 1-7