A Case of Persistent Hiccups Induced by an Enlarging Hepatic Cyst Underneath the Diaphragm

TL;DR

A patient with a liver cyst near the diaphragm experienced long-lasting hiccups, highlighting the need to consider such cysts as a rare cause of this symptom.

Contribution

Identifies hepatic cysts as a rare but possible cause of prolonged hiccups in ADPKD patients.

Findings

Persistent hiccups were linked to an enlarging hepatic cyst in a patient with ADPKD.

The cyst's location near the diaphragm likely triggered the hiccups.

Surgical drainage was not feasible, so the patient received symptomatic treatment.

Abstract

Although hiccups are regularly self-limited and rarely life-threatening, prolonged hiccups are bothersome, which can significantly decrease the quality of life. Here, we report a case of persistent hiccups coexisting with an enlarging liver cyst situated just below the diaphragm in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). No other underlying etiologies related to the symptoms were suspected. The cyst was difficult to drain surgically and the patient continued with symptomatic treatment. Although rare, hepatic cysts should be considered a potential cause of prolonged hiccups in patients with ADPKD. We emphasize the significance of systematically excluding potential etiologies that cause prolonged hiccups and considering appropriate therapeutic interventions.

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