Polycystic Liver Disease

Hello, I am a 36 year old female, and was recently diagnosed with Arachnoid and liver cysts. During my last sonogram my right kidney was enlarged. I have had lower back pain on the right side for over 8 years now,which comes and goes.I've also had an emergency hysterectomy when I was 27 due to prolapse. I have never been formally diagnosed with PLD, but after much research I feel this could be a possiblity. My last liver labs came back normal, and I have been advised to repeat these tests every six months.
My question is, are arachnoid cysts common with PLD, and can the kidney's be affected?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.  

Arachnoid and other intracranial cysts are indeed common in polycystic liver disease.  There is an association with intracranial aneurysms in about 4% of patients.  MR or CT scans should be performed to screen for aneurysms in cases of arachnoid cysts.    

Polycystic liver disease is actually an extension of polycystic kidney disease.  The incidence of hepatic cysts in polycystic kidney disease increases with age from approximately 10 percent below the age of 30 to greater than 40 percent over the age of 60.

Most liver cysts are asymptomatic.  However, there has been varying results with cyst resection, histamine blockers and octreotide for symptommatic patients.  

Repeating liver and kidney tests periodically would be a reasonble approach to monitor this disease.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[myst35]

Thank You for you reply, It has been suggested that I go to the University of Washington for further tests. I think I will go ahead with this advice. Thanks again.

[Hamsa_dp]

A related discussion, Liver cysts was started.