Weight loss in a patient with polycystic kidney disease: when liver cysts are no longer innocent bystanders

Abstract

Objective and importance: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent inherited kidney disorder, and liver involvement represents one of its major extra-renal manifestations. Although asymptomatic in most patients, polycystic liver disease (PLD) can lead to organ compression, severe disability and even become life-threatening, thereby warranting early recognition and appropriate management.

Clinical presentation: We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with ADPKD and severe weight loss secondary to a giant hepatic cyst compressing the pylorus. Partial hepatectomy was required after failure of cyst aspiration and sclerotherapy, and patient's condition improved rapidly.

Discussion and conclusions: We discuss the presentation and classification of compressing liver cysts, and the available therapeutic alternatives for this potentially severe complication of ADPKD.

Keywords: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease; Hepatectomy; Liver cysts.