Case Report: A Large Cadaveric Simple Hepatic Cyst

Simple hepatic cysts are the most frequent forms of liver cysts, often filled with clear or yellow fluid. They are usually asymptomatic and are typically diagnosed in adulthood. Their prevalence however varies across populations. Ultrasound and serological tests are the primary diagnostic tools for distinguishing simple hepatic cysts from other liver cyst forms, such as cysticercosis. We present an exceptional case of a giant simple hepatic cyst discovered during routine cadaveric dissection in the anatomy laboratory. This ellipsoid cyst contained thick, yellow, mucus-like fluid and occupied the entire right lobe of the liver, extending partially into the left lobe. The cyst wall was thin- stimulating a simple hepatic cyst and was found in a 56-year-old male cadaver. The cyst compressed the adjacent structures and caused a significant atrophy of the right lobe of the liver. While simple hepatic cysts are usually diagnosed clinically using ultrasound and serology, their identification through cadaveric findings is rare. The unique features of this cyst include its large size, its significant impact on adjacent structures including atrophy of the right lobe of the liver, and the abnormally large stomach observed in this cadaver. This unusual case prompted our interest and led to this report. The report covers a relevant literature review on the major features of this case and no information concerning the cause of death was covered as it was a finding during dissection.

Key Words: Simple Hepatic Cysts, Cadaveric Findings