Ciliated Hepatic Cyst: A Rare Benign Liver Lesion – Case Report and Insights

Introduction:
Ciliated hepatic cysts (CHCs) are uncommon benign liver lesions often discovered incidentally during imaging studies. These cysts arise from embryological remnants and are primarily located in the left hepatic lobe. This article discusses a recent case report highlighting the histopathological characteristics, diagnosis, and implications of CHCs. Visit https://www.clinmedcasereportsjournal.org/acr for more groundbreaking research in this field.

Case Summary:
A 61-year-old male patient, with cardiovascular risk factors, was admitted for the drainage of an intraabdominal abscess when imaging revealed a hepatic cystic lesion. Over the years, follow-up imaging, including CT and MRI, confirmed a stable, unilocular, hyperintense cyst in segment IV of the liver. Surgical resection was performed due to the risk of malignancy, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a ciliated hepatic cyst.

Histopathological Findings:

• The cyst was lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, with connective tissue, smooth muscle, and a fibrous outer layer.
• Immunohistochemistry was positive for cytokeratin 7, 8, 19, and BerEP4, aiding in differentiation from other hepatic cysts.
• Mild periportal fibrosis and macrovacuolar steatosis were observed in the surrounding liver parenchyma.

Clinical Relevance and Diagnosis:

• CHCs are typically asymptomatic but may present with abdominal pain or be mistaken for malignant liver lesions.
• Differential diagnosis includes hepatocellular carcinoma, simple hepatic cysts, mucinous cystic neoplasms, and bronchogenic cysts.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) can assist in diagnosis, but definitive confirmation requires histopathological examination.

Medical Perspectives on Hepatic Cyst Management:
According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), benign hepatic cysts, including CHCs, should be evaluated for potential malignancy, particularly if they exhibit rapid growth or atypical imaging features. Proper differentiation from neoplastic cysts is essential for determining the need for surgical intervention.

DOI Link to Full Study:
Read the full case report at: https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.acr.1001101

Implications and Future Research:
Although CHCs are rare, an increasing number of incidental cases are being reported due to advancements in imaging techniques. Surgical intervention is recommended in suspicious or symptomatic cases to rule out malignant transformation, as squamous cell carcinoma arising from CHCs has been documented in the literature.

Call-to-Action:
For more in-depth case studies and research on rare hepatic lesions, explore https://www.clinmedcasereportsjournal.org/acr. Join the conversation by sharing your insights in the comments section below!

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