Polycystic liver disease

Print

Disease Overview

Polycystic liver disease is an inherited condition characterized by many cysts of various sizes scattered throughout the liver. Abdominal discomfort from swelling of the liver may occur; however, most affected individuals do not have any symptoms. In some cases, polycystic liver disease appears to occur randomly, with no apparent cause. Most cases are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Sometimes, cysts are found in the liver in association with the presence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD). In fact, about half of the people who have AD-PKD experience liver cysts. However, kidney cysts are uncommon in those affected by polycystic liver disease.[3648]


Synonyms

  • Isolated polycystic liver disease
  • Isolated autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease
  • PCLD

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders