title: Small colorectal cystic metastases to the liver: still a diagnostic dilemma? A report of a case and a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although cystic colorectal metastases are rare (1.8%), they are still a crucial challenge for the surgeon especially in terms of detection and differential diagnosis. Since prognosis after resection is very good (40% 5-year survival), early diagnosis is essential.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a suspected diagnosis of multiple small liver metastases. He had previously undergone left sided-cholectomy followed by chemotherapy for colonic carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple small (<15 mm) intrahepatic biliary cysts, suspected for cystic colorectal liver metastases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnosis of cystic colorectal liver metastases is quite difficult and it is mostly based on the last-generation magnetic resonance (MR). In spite of this, we must often rely on histological results for a definitive diagnosis.
authors: Hepatobilyopancreatic and Digestive Surgery Division, S. Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudini 8-20142, [corrected] Milan, Italy. davide.papis@gmail.com
authors: Davide
authors: D
authors: Papis
authors: Matteo
authors: M
authors: Barabino
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Petralia
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Cadeo
authors: Enrico
authors: E
authors: Opocher
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed