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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2013; 19(35): 5775-5786
Published online Sep 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i35.5775
Published online Sep 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i35.5775
Pathophysiology, epidemiology, classification and treatment options for polycystic liver diseases
Bassam Abu-Wasel, Caolan Walsh, Michele Molinari, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y9, Canada
Valerie Keough, Department of Radiolgoy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y9, Canada
Michele Molinari, Department of Surgery and Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y9, Canada
Author contributions: Abu-Wasel B performed the review of the literature, wrote the paper and created the diagrams used in this review; Walsh C performed the review of the literature and edited the final draft; Keough V performed the selection of cross sectional studies, reviewed the literature on radiological classification of polycystic liver disease and edited the final draft; Molinari M ideated the paper, performed the review of the literature, edited the paper and selected some of the relevant radiological images.
Correspondence to: Michele Molinari, MD, MSc, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Room 6-302 Victoria Building, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y9, Canada. michele.molinari@cdha.nshealth.ca
Telephone: +1-902-4737624 Fax: +1-902-4737639
Received: March 5, 2013
Revised: May 21, 2013
Accepted: July 9, 2013
Published online: September 21, 2013
Revised: May 21, 2013
Accepted: July 9, 2013
Published online: September 21, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: The management of patients with symptomatic polycystic liver disease is challenging. Among several treatments options, the most common interventions are: percutaneous cyst aspiration, fenestration, hepatic resection and liver transplantation. There is no consensus on the best treatment options and the optimal timing for interventions in symptomatic patients. In vision of these limitations, we reviewed the most recent literature and present a comprehensive article on this topic.