Massive Hepatomegaly in a Pediatric Patient Due to a Solitary Simple Hepatic Cyst: A Case Report

Zahra A Hasan1

  • 1College of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat, OMN.

Cureus
|October 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

A large simple hepatic cyst caused massive hepatomegaly in a six-year-old boy. Conservative management and monitoring were effective, showing the importance of individualized care for pediatric hepatic cysts.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Massive hepatomegaly in children can stem from various causes, including hepatic cysts.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for pediatric liver conditions.

Observation:

  • A six-year-old male presented with progressive abdominal distention due to a 12-cm solitary simple hepatic cyst.
  • Initial assessment revealed hepatomegaly and mild transaminitis, with no other significant symptoms.

Findings:

  • Imaging studies, including ultrasound and CT scan, confirmed a large simple hepatic cyst.
  • Differential diagnoses such as polycystic liver disease and hydatid disease were excluded based on clinical and imaging data.

Implications:

  • This case highlights that simple hepatic cysts, even when large, can be managed conservatively in asymptomatic pediatric patients.
  • Individualized monitoring and careful diagnostic evaluation are essential for optimizing outcomes in pediatric hepatic cyst cases.