Liver and Kidney Cyst: Symptoms, causes and treatments

In our body all organs are interrelated. Body system is performed properly when all organs work together to complete their job. That means, if one organ is unable to perform its job efficiently, it negatively affects other organs in our body.

 

In this way when an issue occurs in the liver it causes defects in kidney functioning and when kidneys are not able to do their job precisely, the liver is also affected due to kidney dysfunction. Sometimes, liver issues lead to kidney cysts.

 

Many people with poly-cystic kidney disease develop cysts in other organs as well as kidneys. It leads to cysts in the liver. So, Liver and kidney cysts are interlinked.

What is polycystic kidney disease?

It is an inherited disorder in which numerous clusters of cysts develop primarily in your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function with the passage of time. Cysts are round or oval fluid-filled sacs containing fluid. The cysts differ in size, and they can grow very large. Liver cyst and polycystic kidney disease are closely related.

 

Are liver and kidney cysts common?

The prevalence of liver cysts in liver and kidneys is between 75 and 90% (5-10). The development of hepatic cysts in females ranges from 58%-75%, while among male subjects prevalence usually ranges from 42-62%.

 

Liver and kidney cysts causes

Cysts between liver and kidney passed down through families (inherited). Individuals with liver cysts and polycystic kidney disease have many clusters of cysts in the kidneys. The exact cause of liver and kidney cysts formation is unknown.

 

Liver and kidney cysts can be formed as a result of:

• Malformations present at birth

• Underlying conditions

• A disorder that runs in families

 

As many as half of individuals with polycystic kidney disease have cysts in the liver.

 

Can liver and kidney cysts cause pain?

Most of the time liver and kidney cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, if the cysts become large in size, they can cause pain and bloating in the upper portion of your abdomen. Sometimes, cysts become so large that you can feel them through your abdomen.

 

Are liver and kidney cysts dangerous?

While cysts are noncancerous and don’t grow large to such extent that they cause symptoms, less number of cysts can become cancerous.

 

Cysts on liver and kidney symptoms

Cysts on liver and kidney symptoms can include:

• High blood pressure

• Back or side pain

• Blood in your urine

• Kidney stones

• Kidney failure

• Urinary tract or kidney infections

• A feeling of fullness in abdomen

• Increased size of abdomen as a result of enlarged kidneys

• Headaches

 

Complications of liver and kidney cysts

Complications linked with liver cyst and polycystic kidney disease  include:

 

Loss of kidney function

Advanced loss of kidney function is one of the most severe complications of cysts with liver and kidney. Around half of those people with disease have kidney failure by age 60.

 

This leads to inability of your kidneys to keep waste products from building to toxic levels, a condition known as uremia. As the disease gets worse, end-stage kidney (renal) disease can result, challenging ongoing kidney transplant or a dialysis to prolong your life.

 

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common complication of cysts in various organs. Untreated, high blood pressure causes further damage to your kidneys and liver and increases your risk of heart disease and strokes.

 

Chronic pain

Chronic pain is a general symptom for people with cysts. It commonly occurs in your back or side. The pain can also be linked with a kidney stone or a malignancy, or a urinary tract infection.

 

Growth of cysts in liver

The chances of developing cysts for an individual with PKD increases with age. While both men and women progress cysts, women commonly develop larger cysts. Female hormones and multiple pregnancies contribute to the development of liver cyst.

 

Formation of an aneurysm in brain

A balloon-like protrusion in a blood vessel (aneurysm) in your brain is responsible for bleeding (hemorrhage) if it fractures. People with liver and kidney cysts have a higher risk of aneurysms. People having a family history of aneurysms seem to be at greater risk.

 

Talk to your doctor if screening is needed in your case. If screening tells you that you don’t have an aneurysm, your healthcare provider may recommend repeating the examination in a few years or after numerous years as a follow-up. The timing of screening that is repeated depends upon your risk.

 

Pregnancy complications

Pregnancy is commonly successful for nearly all women with PKD. In a few cases, however, women can proceed with a life-threatening disorder known as preeclampsia. People most at risk face high blood pressure or a decline in renal function before they become pregnant.

 

Abnormalities in heart valve

Around 1 in 4 adults with polycystic kidney disease experience mitral valve prolapse. When this occurs, the heart valves are unable to close properly, which leads to leakage to blood backward.

 

Colon problems

Weaknesses and sacs or pouches in the wall of the diverticulosis may develop in individuals with cysts between liver and kidney.

 

Exams and tests of liver and kidney cysts

An exam may show:

• Enlarged kidneys

• Enlarged liver

• Abdominal tenderness over liver

• Heart murmurs or various other signs of mitral or aortic insufficiency

• Growths in abdomen

• High blood pressure

 

Tests that may be performed include:

• Urinalysis

• Liver tests (blood)

• Cerebral angiography

• CBC (complete blood count) to check anemia

 

Individuals with a family or personal history of PKD who experience headaches should be tested to evaluate if cerebral aneurysms are the leading cause.

 

PKD and cysts on liver or other organs such as kidney may be found using the following tests:

 

• Abdominal MRI scan

• Abdominal ultrasound

• Abdominal CT scan

• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

 

If various members of your family have polycystic kidney disease, genetic tests can be performed to determine whether you carry the gene of PKD.

 

Cysts on liver and kidneys treatment

The aim of treatment is to control the symptoms and prevent complications.

 

Cysts on liver and kidney treatment may include:

• Blood pressure medicines

• Low-salt diet

• Diuretics (water pills)

 

Antibiotics should be used for the treatment of any urinary tract infection.

 

Cysts that are infected, painful, bleeding, or leading to a blockage may need to be drained. There are commonly too many cysts to make it useful to remove each cyst.

 

Surgery for the removal of one or both kidneys may be needed. Treatments for end-stage kidney disease usually include dialysis or a kidney transplant.

 

Prevention

If you are experiencing polycystic kidney disease and you are thinking of having children, a genetic counselor generally helps you lower your risk of transferring the disease to your offspring.

 

Some of the complications of this disease can be prevented by keeping your kidneys as healthy as possible. Controlling your blood pressure is one of the most vital ways you can protect your kidneys.

 

Here are some tips to keeping your blood pressure in check:

• Take medications for blood pressure prescribed by your doctor as directed

• Eat a diet containing low salt contents, plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

• Maintain a healthy weight according to your height. Ask your doctor the right weight for you

• Quitsmoking

• Exercise regularly. Goal for at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5-6 days of the week

• Limit alcohol intake

 

What is the life expectancy of someone with polycystic kidney and liver disease?

On the basis of sub type, the average life expectancy of a patient with polycystic kidney disease ranges from 53 to 70 years.