Weekly issue 2026-W41 ·
Healthcare burden and clinical spectrum of symptomatic polycystic liver disease in Japan: a nationwide epidemiological survey
Plain language
Many people with polycystic liver disease have no symptoms, but some develop a swollen belly, pain or infected liver cysts. A nationwide survey of hospital departments in Japan estimated that about 3,570 people were being treated or followed for symptomatic polycystic liver disease in 2023, around 29 per million people. Among 557 patients with detailed data, most were women and about two thirds also had polycystic kidney disease. More than half had treatment for their liver cysts, and many needed care from more than one department or hospital. The study describes the condition in one country; it does not test treatments.
Clinical note
Nationwide two-stage questionnaire survey (3127 departments sampled). Symptomatic PLD defined as ≥ 10 hepatic cysts with cyst-related symptoms or complications. Estimated 6500 patients in 2021–2023 and 3570 in 2023, an annual prevalence of 28.6 per million. Of 557 with clinical data: 62% female, 67.2% met PKD diagnostic criteria; abdominal distension, pain and cyst infection were most frequent; more than half had hepatic cyst treatment; 60.4% needed consultation with other departments or institutions. Cyst infection and liver failure accounted for a subset of deaths; mortality differed by Gigot type and was highest in type III. Survey-based estimates in a Japanese setting.
Question for your next visit
I have cysts in my liver as well as my kidneys. Which symptoms should make me contact my team?