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Hepatic cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst mimicking hydatid liver disease: a case report

Walid Faraj1, Houssein Haidar Ahmad, Deborah Mukherji

  • 1HBP and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Centre, American University of Beirut Street, Beirut-Lebanon. wf07@aub.edu.lb.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|September 28, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A hepatic cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst, a rare complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, can mimic hydatid liver disease. Always consider pseudocyst formation in patients with shunts.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Abdominal pseudocysts are rare complications of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunts.
  • Etiological factors include infection, obstruction, and dislodgement of the shunt.
  • This is the first report of a hepatic cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst mimicking hydatid liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of hepatic pseudocyst secondary to a VP shunt.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenge posed by this rare condition, which can be misdiagnosed as hydatid liver disease.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an 18-year-old Caucasian male patient.
  • Presentation with a hepatic pseudocyst secondary to a VP shunt.
  • Initial misdiagnosis as hydatid disease of the liver.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with a hepatic pseudocyst.
  • The condition was initially misdiagnosed as hydatid liver disease.
  • The pseudocyst was confirmed to be secondary to a VP shunt.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatic pseudocysts are rare but significant complications of VP shunts.
  • These pseudocysts share clinical and radiological similarities with hydatid liver disease.
  • Consideration of VP shunt complications is crucial in patients presenting with liver lesions.

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