Polycystic liver disease is a fairly serious pathology, characterized by the formation of numerous cysts on the surface of the organ. As a rule, this disease is diagnosed by chance, that is, during the next preventive examination. Pathology does not differ in obvious signs, so a person for several years may not even be aware of such a problem. Over time, cysts begin to affect an increasingly large area of the organ, which is manifested by clear clinical signs. In almost half of patients, polycystic liver and kidney disease occurs simultaneously.
Disease Description
Polycystic disease is understood as a pathology in which the formation of a large number of cavity formations is observed in the liver. Scientists have found that this disease belongs to the group of hereditary and is associated with the process of mutation in certain genes. What does polycystic liver disease look like (photo), you can see it in specialized medical guides.
During the development of the disease, cysts constantly form on the surface of the organ. They are cavities of various sizes filled with a clear liquid. It contains many albumin (bile acid, proteins, cholesterol, pigments, etc.). When the cyst reaches an impressive size (about seven centimeters), there is a threat of its spontaneous rupture or infection.
This disease is spread absolutely everywhere, but mainly occurs in developed countries. The frequency of its occurrence is 1 case per 100,000 people. In the stronger sex, polycystosis is diagnosed three times less than in women. Primary signs are noted after the age of 40, until this time the disease is asymptomatic.
According to the international classification of diseases (ICD 10), polycystic liver disease has the code Q61.
Liver and types of cysts
The liver is an unpaired organ located in the abdominal cavity and related directly to the digestive system. This is the largest gland in the human body, which accounts for a wide variety of functions. She takes a direct part in the process of digestion, metabolism, blood circulation. It is in this body that the "detoxification" of toxins that penetrate the digestive tract along with the blood takes place. The liver is also involved in the formation of immune cells, lymph.
Cysts are parasitic and non-parasitic. The latter, in turn, are divided into true (at the innate level) and false. All true cysts are formed from the beginnings of the bile ducts, gradually stretched by the fluid. Unlike false formations, they are lined with epithelium.
What is polycystic liver disease associated with? Causes of the disease
At the present stage of studying the development of this pathology, specialists are sure that its main reason lies in the mutation of some genes, namely RKCSH and SEC63. However, this position still causes a lot of controversy among scientists. Specialists from around the world continue to actively study such a disease as polycystic liver disease, the causes leading to its development.
Clinical picture
As already noted in the article, for a long time, cysts may not manifest themselves in any way. Only after they occupy enough space in the liver, the following symptoms begin to appear:
- The increase in size of the abdomen.
- Bloating and constant pain.
- Nausea / heartburn.
- Fast saturation even after eating a small amount of food.
As the disease progresses, more and more new signs that characterize polycystic liver disease are added. Symptoms and their severity in each patient may vary. Patients note increased fatigue, shortness of breath, problems with appetite. On the other hand, muscle mass is significantly reduced, edema appears in the legs, the skin turns yellow.
All of the above signs of pathology should alert and become an occasion to seek the advice of a specialist. If treatment is not prescribed in a timely manner, there is a risk of spontaneous rupture of the cysts, which entails bleeding in the abdominal cavity. Thus, the life of a person is at stake. In addition, there are cases when cysts degenerated into malignant neoplasms.
Disease confirmation
It is difficult to diagnose polycystic liver disease due to the asymptomatic course of the disease. Literally 30 years ago, this pathology was discovered during the postmortem autopsy of the human body and was an accidental find. Today, diagnostic capabilities have expanded significantly thanks to the use of ultrasound and computed tomography. Using these instrumental methods, a specialist can detect cavity formations on the surface of an organ at an early stage of development.
Drug treatment
The main objective of conservative therapy is to slow down the growth of existing cysts, as well as reduce unpleasant symptoms. In case of nausea or vomiting, “Tserukal” is prescribed, “No-shpa” is used to reduce the pain syndrome. When bloating occurs , activated charcoal is recommended at the rate of one tablet per approximately 10 kg of body weight.
In case of serious impairment of liver function, hepatoprotectors, B vitamins (“Neurorubin”, “Neurovitan”), lactulose (“Dufalac”, “Lactuvit”) are prescribed.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated if polycystic liver disease is accompanied by complications or hepatic cell failure.
In the first case, a complete excision of the cyst is performed, which led to suppuration or bleeding. The operation takes place under general anesthesia, and access to the organ is via median laparotomy.
Laparoscopic surgery for this disease is practically not performed, since there is a high risk of damage to adjacent formations.
In the case of hepatic cell failure, patients are recommended transplantation.
Polycystic liver disease: treatment with folk remedies
Many patients, having learned about the diagnosis, are in no hurry to seek qualified help. Some take the disease literally by chance, while others prefer treatment with alternative recipes. Experts warn that both options are not correct. Lack of therapy can provoke the development of quite serious complications and result in death. As for the issue of alternative medicine, it is recommended to resort to its recipes as an additional method of treatment. Below we list the most popular treatment options for folk remedies.
- The roots of burdock. You will need to take a tablespoon of the roots of this plant ground in a blender and pour 250 ml of water. Then bring to a boil and insist in a dark place (about four hours). It is recommended to take half a glass of broth three times a day approximately 30 minutes before eating.
- Burdock leaves. You will need to take several young shoots of this plant, squeeze the juice from them and mix with water in equal proportions. Such a medicine should be taken three times a day before meals, two tablespoons. This product must be stored in the refrigerator, but not more than three days.
- The following recipe is suitable for those who are simultaneously diagnosed with polycystic liver and kidney. For treatment, you will need fluffy panicles with reeds of small sizes (about the palm). Two such panicles should be filled with 2 liters of boiling water and insisted in a warm bowl, after wrapping it with a blanket or scarf. Such a medicine should be consumed in 200 ml before each meal. The course of treatment can last one month. For some patients, this period is enough for the cyst to completely dissolve.
What should be the nutrition
Polycystic liver disease, as the name suggests, is characterized by the formation of cysts. That is why it is recommended that the daily diet be formulated in such a way that it is as useful as possible for the body and does not contribute to the growth of formations. Experts advise to exclude fish oil, chocolate, soy products, alcoholic beverages and coffee. Diet for this disease involves the use of foods low in sodium.
All fruits and vegetables rich in alkali are allowed, low-fat fish, milk, eggs, pasta, biscuits. Particular attention should be paid to the drinking regimen, because the most ordinary water is an excellent means of liver detoxification.
What can and should not be eaten with a disease such as polycystic liver disease? Diet in this case is a complete rejection of junk food. After diagnosis, you will have to forget about salty and high-calorie foods forever.
Conclusion
Recently, doctors are increasingly diagnosing polycystic liver and kidney disease. The treatment of this disease cannot be imagined without a qualified approach. In order to avoid the development of this pathology, it is recommended to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, play sports, annually undergo a full diagnostic examination.