Pathophysiology, epidemiology, classification and treatment options for polycystic liver diseases

Figure 1 Pathophysiology of polycystic liver disease. PLD: Polycystic liver disease.

Figure 2 Gigot’s classification for polycystic liver diseases. A: Graphical representation; B: Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging of a patient affected by Gigot I cystic liver disease; C: Abdominal computerized tomography of a patient affected by Gigot II cystic liver disease.

Figure 3 Gigot’s classification relies on imaging findings and was designed to identify the best candidates for fenestration of symptomatic cysts. A: Intravenous contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CT) of a patient affected by polycystic liver and renal disease. The cysts appears hypoattenuating with smooth and regular walls; B: T2 magnetic resonance imaging of a patient with multiple hepatic cysts. The cystic fluid appears bright on T2 images; C: Abdominal CT of a patient affected by Gigot III cystic liver disease.