Choledochal cyst

Choledochal cyst
  • Facts:
    Congenital abnormality of the biliary ducts characterized by the dilation of intra or extra hepatic ducts or both

    MC related to an anomlaous pancreaticobiliary junction, which leads to weakness and dilation of the biliary wall due to the reflux of alkaline pancreatic secretions into the biliary tree
  • History / PE:
    Symptoms depend on age of presentation
    Abdominal pain, jaundice, recurrent pancreatitis (kids)
    Vague epigastric/RUQ pain, cholangitis, palpable mass (adults)
  • Diagnosis:
    Cystic extra hepatic mass
    Increased bilirubin
    Mild elevations of amylase and lipase
    Ultrasound
  • Complications:
    Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Differential Diagnosis:
    Caroli's syndrome (intrahepatic dilation of ducts)
    Biliary atresia (presents earlier in life)
    Pseudopancreatic cyst (rarely causes RUQ mass)



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July 28th 2010