92% with Polycystic Liver Disease PLD, have minimal or no symptoms at all. It is only a very few, about 8% that develop severe PLD Polycystic Liver Disease. PLD Polycystic livers go from a smooth peach like texture to resembling a raspberry's bumpy appearance. PLD Polycystic liver disease PLD is inherited, either with kidney cysts or without. The first is called ADPKD. The second is called ADPLD.
From the CRISP study, through imaging of cystic organs, researchers looked at the liver along with cystic kidneys of 100 individuals with ADPKD. 90% of individuals imaged, had liver cysts. It has been postulated that perhaps 100% of individuals with PKD have some liver cysts. However, it is only a very small percentage of these individuals that go on to develop difficulties related to their liver cysts.
An individual in their 20's or 30's having only 2-3 liver cysts, will rarely develop massive symptoms from their polycystic liver. Interestingly a greater percentage of females have difficulties, almost 8:1. Several studies have looked at liver cyst growth in relation to pregnancy and estrogen. Hormones, caffeine, and liver toxins cause a growth of liver cysts. Women who went on to use HRT hormonal replacement therapy following menopause experienced a greater cystic liver growth. The liver cysts can occur as fine small grape like clusters of cysts or they can occur as very large cysts or a mixture of both types. Liver cysts are a disease of aging. If individuals live long enough, they will eventually develop a liver cyst. If someone has one large liver cysts or even up to three liver cysts, these are simple cysts and not necessarily autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease or autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with liver cysts. The definition of PLD is 20 or more liver cysts.
Hormones, particularly estrogen, rapidly spurs the growth of liver cysts. Caffeine, bleach, plastic, ammonia, dairy, false estrogens also increase pain and growth. As the liver becomes filled with cysts, the metabolism of estrogen diminishes. A saliva hormonal profile test can document these changes, but many are reluctant to have costly lab test performed when it seemingly does not alter the treatment of PLD. Listen to a lecture on PLD.