What are non-parasitic hepatic cysts?

DEFINITION Benign cysts within the liver parenchyma that most commonly involve the right lobe; are thought to be of congenital origin. INCIDENCE Rare; 4:1 female:male ratio. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Most cysts are small and asymptomatic; large cysts (rare) can present with increasing abdominal pain and girth and can bleed or become infected. DIAGNOSIS Hypointense or water density on ultrasound, CT, or MRI with no septations. TREATMENT Small asymptomatic cysts require no treatment. large, symptomatic cysts should be surgically excised