Liver cysts. False-colour computed tomography (CT) scan of an axial section through the abdomen, showing polycystic disease of the liver. Cysts (green) can be seen at upper frame, affecting a large area of the liver lobes (yellow) beneath. The liver stretches from upper right to lower left; at lower centre is a vertebra (red). Poly- cystic liver disease may occur due to infection, or it may have a genetic basis. The cysts grow gradually, destroying liver tissue. It may cause liver inadequacy and in severe cases, as here, may lead to liver failure. Polycystic disease occurs more commonly in other body organs such as the kidneys and the female ovaries.