Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Liver cyst in abdominal MRI

April 26, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Dear Sir or Madam,

During an MRI of my abdomen, a liver cyst of 0.5 cm was detected, as well as a slight hepatic steatosis. A mild liver fat accumulation was previously diagnosed through ultrasound and liver puncture. This was confirmed again in the MRI. Additionally, I have chronically elevated liver values GPT at around 70-80 (normal 50 u/l) and GGT at around 70-80 (normal 60 u/l).

Now my question is: should I be concerned about the cyst? Can it be determined in the MRI whether it is benign or malignant? Is there a connection between the cyst and the fatty liver or the elevation of transaminases?

I am very worried, even though my treating physician wrote "everything okay" in the radiological findings.

Here is the radiological finding in detail:
Known steato hepatis. Small liver cyst less than 0.5 cm in diameter in liver segment VI subcapsular. Gallbladder smooth-bordered. Unremarkable presentation of parenchymatous upper abdominal organs spleen and pancreas as well as both adrenal glands and kidneys. No para-aortic lymphomas. Unremarkable presentation of osseous structures. Left convex scoliosis of the lumbar spine when lying down.

Thank you for your assessment and best regards!

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good day,

please do not worry about the cyst. This is usually an incidental finding and absolutely harmless. Of course, infectious causes (amoebas or tapeworms?) should be considered. Malignancy should also be ruled out, which should be seen with aspiration and MRI.

There is certainly no connection between steatosis (fatty liver) and the cyst. But steatosis does cause this elevation in liver enzymes. This is still low, as liver inflammation would result in values ten times higher.

I recommend to my liver patients to apply heat to the liver (warm pad on the right flank/upper abdomen), avoid alcohol, fatty foods, and medications (especially warfarin, antibiotics, and paracetamol) that may cause liver damage. In addition, a milk thistle extract can strengthen and improve liver metabolism.

All the best,

Kind regards,

Dr. K. Hamann
(Specialist in General and Internal Medicine)