Biliary Duct Hamartoma

Excerpt

Multiple biliary duct hamartomas or “von Meyenburg complexes” are rare, benign liver malformations characterized by cystic dilated biliary ducts that were first discovered in 1918 by Von Meyenburg. They are usually incidentally found at autopsy or laparotomy due to the asymptomatic clinical course. They are usually diagnosed on imaging as single or multiple small cystic nodules ranging from 0.05 cm to 1.5 cm in size. Although incidental findings can mimic metastatic liver disease as well as other clinically significant diseases, which may prompt an extensive diagnostic work-up and even surgical intervention. Thus, proper diagnosis with specific imaging findings or confirmation with histological evaluation is required.