A CASE OF CARDIAC COMPRESSION BY HEPATIC CYST IN A WOMAN WITH POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE.

Abstract

Liver cysts are common extrarenal manifestations of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). They occur more frequently in women, and are also more in number and larger in size, than in men. Liver cysts tend to develop slower than the kidney cysts; their number and size increases with the age (worsening kidney function), number of pregnancies, and estrogen assumption. Although most patients with ADPKD report no liver symptoms, sometimes, chronic manifestations related to progressive increase of the polycystic liver are experienced. The quality of life can be severely impaired with huge hepatomegaly causing abdominal distension, pain, dyspepsia, dyspnoea, fatigue, physical and even psychological handicap. In addition, few patients develop acute complications that follow a life-threatening course [1].