Peribiliary cysts in cirrhotic liver: observation on computed tomography.

BACKGROUND

To analyze the frequency and number of suspected peribiliary cysts in cirrhotic liver on computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Three hundred forty-six cases with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis (LC) and 307 cases with clinically diagnosed non-LC were subjected to the study. The frequency and number of suspected peribiliary cysts on CT were compared between the two groups. The existence of peribiliary cysts was suggested when a cyst was observed around the second- to fourth-order branches of the intrahepatic portal vein.

RESULTS

Peribiliary cysts were suggested on CT in 31 of 346 cirrhotic livers (9.0%) and 10 of 307 noncirrhotic livers (3.3%). This difference in the frequency of peribiliary cysts was statistically significant (chi2, p < 0.01). Multiple peribiliary cysts were seen in 71% of cirrhotic patients with peribiliary cyst. The size of peribiliary cysts was smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter.

CONCLUSION

Peribiliary cyst is radiologically observed more frequently in cirrhotic liver than in noncirrhotic liver and is occasionally multiple.