Massive Hepatomegaly in a Pediatric Patient Due to a Solitary Simple Hepatic Cyst: A Case Report
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: This case report presents a six-year-old male patient with massive hepatomegaly attributed to a solitary simple hepatic cyst. The patient was referred to the pediatric gastroenterology clinic after his family noted progressive abdominal distention over four months, with no associated symptoms such as pain, jaundice, or systemic illness. Physical examination revealed significant hepatomegaly and initial laboratory investigations indicated mild transaminitis but were otherwise unremarkable. Imaging with abdominal ultrasound demonstrated a single large cystic lesion, which was further characterized by computed tomography (CT) as a 12-cm simple hepatic cyst. The differential diagnosis included conditions such as polycystic liver disease and hydatid disease, but these were ruled out based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. Given the benign nature of the cyst and the absence of symptoms, conservative management was pursued, with regular follow-up to monitor for potential complications. The patient remained asymptomatic during a six-month follow-up, highlighting the importance of individualized monitoring and management in cases of pediatric hepatic cysts. This case contributes to the understanding of simple hepatic cysts in children and underscores the need for careful diagnostic evaluation and long-term follow-up.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70249
Author: Zahra A Hasan
Institution: National University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402864160