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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Murine Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an Ex Vivo Model of Liver Biology
Published on: March 14, 2020
[Polycystic liver disease]
Marie Ongaro1, Francois-Nathan Bronstein1, Nicolas Goossens1
1Service de gastroentérologie et hépatologie, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14.
Insights
Polycystic liver disease (PLD) encompasses biliary hamartomas, ADPLD, and ADPKD. While often asymptomatic, PLD can progress, with estrogen influencing cyst growth, necessitating careful diagnosis and management in specialized centers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Genetics
- Radiology
Background:
- Polycystic liver disease (PLD) comprises biliary hamartomas, autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD), and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
- These conditions are characterized by the progressive development and growth of liver cysts over time.
- While often asymptomatic, PLD can manifest with symptoms, particularly in women due to estrogen's influence on cyst growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD) entities.
- To highlight diagnostic approaches and management considerations for PLD.
- To emphasize the importance of early identification and expert center care for PLD complications.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis of PLD relies on medical imaging techniques.
- Genetic analysis is crucial for identifying inherited forms like ADPLD and ADPKD.
- Clinical evaluation assesses cyst burden and potential complications.
Main Results:
- Biliary hamartomas are benign and asymptomatic, arising from ductal plate malformation.
- ADPLD and ADPKD are genetic disorders characterized by significant cyst formation.
- Symptomatic PLD predominantly affects women, with estrogen identified as a factor promoting cyst growth.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis through imaging is essential for effective PLD management.
- Estrogen-based treatments are contraindicated in symptomatic PLD due to potential adverse effects.
- Management of PLD complications requires timely intervention within expert centers.
Abstract:
Polycystic liver disease (PLD) includes three entities in adults : biliary hamartomas which develop as a result of ductal plate malformation, autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) which occur in the setting of genetic disorders. Hamartomas are asymptomatic and benign. PLD are marked by a steady growth of cysts over time, clinically silent in the majority of cases. Symptomatic forms mainly affect women due to the influence of estrogens on the growth of cysts therefore estrogen treatments are contraindicated in this setting. Diagnosis is based on imaging. Complications are rare but must be identified early in order to offer appropriate care in an expert center.
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