Liver CT Appearances

Polycystic Liver Disease CT Findings

• Enlarged, diffusely cystic liver
• > 20 cysts needed for diagnosis
• Cysts vary greatly in size
• Cysts may have calcified walls
• Fluid density of 0 HU common but some cysts may be higher attenuation
• Diffuse dilation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts
• Almost 50% of patients also have polycystic kidney disease

Other Information About Polycystic Liver Disease

Etiology:

• Usually genetically inherited

Epidemiology:

• Most cases are not discovered until the patient’s 4th decade of life or later
• More common in women

Presentation:

• Asymptomatic

Prognosis:

• PLD is usually benign with no complications