Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Polycystic Liver Disease
is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find
the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Polycystic liver disease is an inherited disorder 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 (sporadically). Most cases are inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. 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.
Resources
American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane
Suite 603
New York, NY 10038
USA
Tel: 2126681000
Fax: 2124838179
Tel: 8004654837
Email: info@liverfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.liverfoundation.org
NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)496-7422
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of
the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains
additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and
investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of
this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for
informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of
their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms
listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic.
Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database
completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the
most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization
for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site
www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 4/5/2005
Copyright 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2005
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.