OBJECTIVE: Since choledochal cyst is frequently associated with the anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct (AUPBD), AUPBD has been regarded to be the etiologic factor of choledochal cyst. However, the clinical significance of AUPBD an patients with choledochal cyst has not been clearly defined. Therefore, to clarify the significance of AUPBD in choledochal cyst patients, we compared the clinical features of patients with choledochal cyst according to the presence or absence of AUPBD. METHODS: Among 52 cases which were diagnosed as choledochal cyst out of 5,037 ERCP referrals between August 1990 and December 1996, we selected 44 cases, in which the pancreaticobiliary junction was clearly visualized on cholangio-pancreaticography. These cases were divided into AUPBD-present group (n = 28) and AUPBD-absent group (n = 16). Clinical features were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, in AUPBD-present group, clinical data were also analyzed according to Kimura's classification of AUPBD. RESULTS: In our study, AUPBD was associated with choledochal cyst in 28 (64%) cases. AUPBD was found only in type I and IV according to Todani's classification of choledochal cyst. There were no significant differences between the AUPBD-present group and the AUPBD-absent group in the incidence of gallstone disease, while the incidence of acute inflammation was 93% (26/28) in the AUPBD-absent group (p < 0.01). Carcinoma developed only in the AUOBD-present group (9/28, 32%) (p < 0.05). Pancreatic disorders (i.e. pancreatic stone, pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer) occurred in 12 of 28 cases in the AUPBD-present group (43%), while only in 1 of 16 cases in the AUPBD-absent group (6%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AUPBD associated with choledochal cyst may have implications not only as a possible etiologic factor but also as an important factor that may affect the clinical course, surgical planning and prognosis. In cases with choledochal cyst, we should make an effort to evaluate the presence of AUPBD.
Adolescence ; Adult ; Aged ; Bile Ducts/abnormalities* ; Calculi/complications ; Cholangiography ; Choledochal Cyst/radiography ; Choledochal Cyst/pathology ; Choledochal Cyst/complications* ; Female ; Human ; Inflammation/complications ; Male ; Middle Age ; Neoplasms/complications ; Pancreatic Ducts/radiography ; Pancreatic Ducts/abnormalities* ; Prognosis

Choledochal cyst is an uncommon premalignant anomaly. The morphology and pathogenesis of the premalignant lesion of cholangiocarcinoma arising from the choledochal cyst has not been well described. Herein, we report a rare case of bile duct adenoma arising from choledochal cyst with anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct (AUPBD). 50-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of epigastric pain. She had received common bile duct (CBD) exploration and choledocholithotomy and cholecystectomy 3 months earlier under the diagnosis of multiple CBD stones. Intraoperalive cholangiogram was not remarkable except CBD dilatation at that time. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed choledochal cyst with AUPBD and round filling defect which disappeared easily on the balloon cholaniogram. On magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, the filling defect was confirmed as 2 cm polypoid mass attached to the distal bile duct wall. At laparotomy, a soft whitish mass was palpable on the lower CBD. On histological examination, adenoma with focal carcinoma change arising from choledochal cyst was diagnosed.
Adenoma, Villous/*diagnosis/pathology/radiography ; Bile Duct Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology/radiography ; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Choledochal Cyst/*radiography/secretion/surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

This pictorial review aims to illustrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and presentation patterns of anatomical variations and various benign and malignant pathologies of the duodenum, including sphincter contraction, major papilla variation, prominent papilla, diverticulum, annular pancreas, duplication cysts, choledochocele, duodenal wall thickening secondary to acute pancreatitis, postbulbar stenosis, celiac disease, fistula, choledochoduodenostomy, external compression, polyps, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, ampullary carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. MRI is a useful imaging tool for demonstrating duodenal pathology and its anatomic relationships with adjacent organs, which is critical for establishing correct diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment, especially for surgery.
Ampulla of Vater/anatomy & histology/radiography ; Choledochal Cyst/pathology/radiography ; Diverticulum/radiography ; Duodenal Diseases/pathology/*radiography ; Duodenum/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pancreas/abnormalities/anatomy & histology/radiography ; Pancreatic Diseases/radiography

The purpose of this study was to investigate and discuss imaging methods and management strategies for congenital choledochal cyst with co-existing intrahepatic dilation and aberrant bile duct as well as other complicated biliary anomalies. In this study we reviewed and analyzed 72 patients with congenital choledochal cyst, ranging in age from 15 days to 12 years old and who were seen at our hospital during the past 12 years, from January 1993 to October 2005. The image manifestation and clinical significance of patients with co- xisting intrahepatic biliary dilation and aberrant bile duct were carefully examined during operation via MRCP, cholangiography and choledochoscope. Twenty-two cases (30.1%) presented with intrahepatic bile duct dilation and 12 of these were of the cystic type. That is, the orifice of the dilated intrahepatic tract that converged into the common hepatic duct showed membrane or septum-like stenosis. In 10 cases the dilation tapered off from the porta hepatis to the initiating terminals of the intra-hepatic bile ducts and was not accompanied by stenosis. An aberrant bile duct was observed in 2 of the cases. In 3 cases, the right and left hepatic ducts converged at the choledochal cyst. In conclusion, the imaging methods for intrahepatic bile duct dilation possess important clinical significance. Further, for hepatojejunostomy with radical excision of a choledochal cyst, additional operative procedures for intrahepatic stenosis, possible bile duct malformation and pancreaticobiliary common duct calculi can potentially reduce postoperative complications.
Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Postoperative Complications/ultrasonography ; Male ; Liver Diseases/complications/*radiography/surgery ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant ; Humans ; Female ; Choledochal Cyst/complications/*radiography/surgery ; Cholangiography ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Bile Ducts/*abnormalities/pathology/surgery

The purpose of this study was to investigate and discuss imaging methods and management strategies for congenital choledochal cyst with co-existing intrahepatic dilation and aberrant bile duct as well as other complicated biliary anomalies. In this study we reviewed and analyzed 72 patients with congenital choledochal cyst, ranging in age from 15 days to 12 years old and who were seen at our hospital during the past 12 years, from January 1993 to October 2005. The image manifestation and clinical significance of patients with co- xisting intrahepatic biliary dilation and aberrant bile duct were carefully examined during operation via MRCP, cholangiography and choledochoscope. Twenty-two cases (30.1%) presented with intrahepatic bile duct dilation and 12 of these were of the cystic type. That is, the orifice of the dilated intrahepatic tract that converged into the common hepatic duct showed membrane or septum-like stenosis. In 10 cases the dilation tapered off from the porta hepatis to the initiating terminals of the intra-hepatic bile ducts and was not accompanied by stenosis. An aberrant bile duct was observed in 2 of the cases. In 3 cases, the right and left hepatic ducts converged at the choledochal cyst. In conclusion, the imaging methods for intrahepatic bile duct dilation possess important clinical significance. Further, for hepatojejunostomy with radical excision of a choledochal cyst, additional operative procedures for intrahepatic stenosis, possible bile duct malformation and pancreaticobiliary common duct calculi can potentially reduce postoperative complications.
Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Postoperative Complications/ultrasonography ; Male ; Liver Diseases/complications/*radiography/surgery ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant ; Humans ; Female ; Choledochal Cyst/complications/*radiography/surgery ; Cholangiography ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Bile Ducts/*abnormalities/pathology/surgery

We report here on a case of extrahepatic biliary cystadenoma arising from the common hepatic duct. A 42-year-old woman was evaluated by us to find the cause of her jaundice. Ultrasonography and CT showed a cystic dilatation of the common hepatic duct and also marked dilatation of the intrahepatic duct. Direct cholangiography demonstrated a large filling defect between the left hepatic duct and the common hepatic duct; dilatation of the intrahepatic duct was also demonstrated. Following excision of the cystic mass, it was pathologically confirmed as a unilocular biliary mucinous cystadenoma arising from the common hepatic duct.
Adult ; Bile Duct Neoplasms/*diagnosis ; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Choledochal Cyst/*diagnosis ; Cystadenoma/*diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hepatic Duct, Common/*pathology/radiography/ultrasonography ; Humans ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography, Interventional