Obliteration of the distal bile duct in the development of congenital choledochal cyst

Relationships of serum MMP-7 and clinical characteristics in choledochal cyst children

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is associated with biliary injury. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships of serum MMP-7 with clinical characteristics in choledochal cysts (CDC) children.

METHODS

Between June 2020 and July 2022, we conducted a prospective study of CDCs who underwent one-stage definitive operation at our center. Serum MMP-7 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We evaluated the relationships between serum MMP-7 and age, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, liver fibrosis, MMP-7 expression, and perforation.

RESULTS

A total of 328 CDCs were enrolled in the study, with a median serum MMP-7 of 7.67 ng/mL. Higher serum MMP-7 was correlated with younger age at diagnosis (p < 0.001), larger cyst sizes (p < 0.001), higher liver fibrosis stages (p < 0.001), and higher incidence of perforation (p < 0.01). Liver MMP-7 was mainly expressed in intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.630 (p < 0.001) for serum MMP-7 in predicting perforation. When serum MMP-7 was combined with γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), the AUROC increased to 0.706 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum MMP-7 was associated with biliary obstruction in CDCs. Patients with high serum MMP-7 were more likely to have severe liver damage and biliary injury, with higher incidences of liver fibrosis and perforation.

Preliminary exploration of animal models of congenital choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

Various animal models have been used to explore the pathogenesis of choledochal cysts (CCs), but with little convincing results. Current surgical techniques can achieve satisfactory outcomes for treatment of CCs. Consequently, recent studies have focused more on clinical issues rather than basic research. Therefore, we need appropriate animal models to further basic research.

AIM

To establish an appropriate animal model that may contribute to the investigation of the pathogenesis of CCs.

METHODS

Eighty-four specific pathogen-free female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to a surgical group, sham surgical group, or control group. A rat model of CC was established by partial ligation of the bile duct. The reliability of the model was confirmed by measurements of serum biochemical indices, morphology of common bile ducts of the rats as well as molecular biology experiments in rat and human tissues.

RESULTS

Dilation classified as mild (diameter, ≥ 1 mm to < 3 mm), moderate (≥ 3 mm to < 10 mm), and severe (≥ 10 mm) was observed in 17, 17, and 2 rats in the surgical group, respectively, while no dilation was observed in the control and sham surgical groups. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total bile acids were significantly elevated in the surgical group as compared to the control group 7 d after surgery, while direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were further increased 14 d after surgery. Most of the biochemical indices gradually decreased to normal ranges 28 d after surgery. The protein expression trend of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in rat model was consistent with the human CC tissues.

CONCLUSION

The model of partial ligation of the bile duct of juvenile rats could morphologically simulate the cystic or fusiform CC, which may contribute to investigating the pathogenesis of CC.

Concomitant hilar cholangiocarcinoma with choledochal cyst and cholelithiasis in an asymptomatic patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Choledochal cyst is an important risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Concomitant hilar cholangiocarcinoma with choledochal cyst with cholelithiasis is a rare finding.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 52-year-old male presented with non-specific complaints of generalized weakness for 3 months. Transabdominal ultrasound showed dilated common bile duct with hyperechoic mass at hilar region; further evaluation with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and contrast-enhanced computer tomography of abdomen and pelvis revealed concomitant intraductal hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Bismuth Corlette type 1) with Choledochal cyst (type IVa) with cholelithiasis. After optimization patient underwent left hepatectomy with common bile duct excision with cholecystectomy with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Histopathological examination confirmed it to be well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, intestinal type at the hilar confluence.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

An asymptomatic male patient with the concomitant finding of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (Bismuth Corlette type I) with choledochal cyst type IVa with cholelithiasis is a rare finding. The patient was managed with surgical excision of the common bile duct with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and cholecystectomy. Diagnostic evaluation should be proper not to miss or overlook such a synchronous lesion.

CONCLUSION

Incidental finding of concomitant perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with the choledochal cyst is rare. Proper evaluation of the patient with CECT abdomen and pelvis and MRCP is necessary for the diagnosis. Proper surgical resection with adequate lymph node removal is important for surgical clearance.

Laparoscopic management of choledochal cyst in children: Lessons learnt from low-middle income countries

Choledochal cyst (CC) is a disease with a strong Asian preponderance. As laparoscopic surgery has become mainstay in its treatment, the experience in these countries has been phenomenal. However, there are many contentious issues related with the laparoscopic management of CC. In this review article, we will try to answer the contentious questions related to the laparoscopic management of CC. The issues related to aetiology, classification, surgical technique, type of biliary anastomosis, intrahepatic stones and malignancy are discussed. We also discuss the current and future considerations of laparoscopic management with reference to it becoming a gold standard. This article describes the standard surgical approach and will discuss its technical nuances. This article will also discuss the outcome of treatment in different settings of low- and middle-income countries based on lessons learnt by the authors from their experience and research.

Choledochal malformations: global research, scientific advances and key controversies

Choledochal malformations (CMs) represent a spectrum of relatively rare and complex congenital anomalies, characterized by abnormal dilatation of the biliary tract in the absence of any acute obstruction. Today, almost 20% of CMs can be detected in-utero using maternal ultrasonography. Formal scientometric analysis was used to identify where modern CM research is taking place and perhaps where our attention should be directed in the future. Thus, this article offers a comprehensive review of recent scientific advances relating to CMs including the current understanding of etiology and classification, whilst also discussing key controversies such as risk of malignant transformation and the role of newer modalities of surgical treatment. Although laparoscopic excision of CMs and biliary reconstruction is nowadays feasible and safe, care should be taken before dispensing with standard open techniques, which have minimal complication rates and proven long-term benefit.

Meta-analysis of risk of developing malignancy in congenital choledochal malformation

BACKGROUND

Choledochal malformations comprise various congenital cystic dilatations of the extrahepatic and/or intrahepatic biliary tree. Choledochal malformation is generally considered a premalignant condition, but reliable data on the risk of malignancy and optimal surgical treatment are lacking. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of malignancy in patients with choledochal malformation and to differentiate between subtypes. In addition, the risk of malignancy following cystic drainage versus complete cyst excision was assessed.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed and Embase databases was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A meta-analysis of the risk of malignancy following cystic drainage versus complete cyst excision was undertaken in line with MOOSE guidelines. Prevalence of malignancy was defined as the rate of biliary cancer before resection, and malignant transformation as new-onset biliary cancer after surgery.

RESULTS

Eighteen observational studies were included, reporting a total of 2904 patients with a median age of 36 years. Of these, 312 in total developed a malignancy (10·7 per cent); the prevalence of malignancy was 7·3 per cent and the rate of malignant transformation was 3·4 per cent. Patients with types I and IV choledochal malformation had an increased risk of malignancy (P = 0·016). Patients who underwent cystic drainage had an increased risk of developing biliary malignancy compared with those who had complete cyst excision, with an odds ratio of 3·97 (95 per cent c.i. 2·40 to 6·55).

CONCLUSION

The risk of developing malignancy among patients with choledochal malformation was almost 11 per cent. The malignancy risk following cystic drainage surgery was four times higher than that after complete cyst excision. Complete surgical resection is recommended in patients with choledochal malformation.

A very low-birth-weight infant with spontaneous perforation of a choledochal cyst and adjacent pseudocyst formation

Spontaneous perforation of a choledochal cyst with ensuing pseudocyst formation is a very rare complication. We report the development of a pseudocyst adjacent to a choledochal cyst in a very low-birth-weight infant at 2 months of age. Elective excision of the choledochal cyst and biliary tract reconstruction were successfully performed 2 months later when the infant weighed 3 kg. Delayed primary repair may be a viable alternative treatment for low-birth-weight infants with choledochal cysts.

Management of Choledochal Cysts and Their Complications

Choledochal cysts are increasingly reported in adults. The presence of cyst-related complications alters its presentation and complicates the management. We reviewed our experience to find the clinical presentation, complications, and the management of choledochal cysts. The records of 132 patients with choledochal cysts presented to us between 2003 and 2010 maintained as a prospective database were analyzed for demography, clinical presentation, radiological investigation, management, and outcome. There were 12 children and 120 adults. Based on preoperative cholangiogram, 93 (71%) patients had Type I and 39 (29%) Type IVA cysts. The overall incidence of complicated choledochal cyst was 4 of 12 (33%) in children and 85 of 120 (71%) in adults. The most common complication was cystolithiasis (49%) followed by cholangitis (32%), acute pancreatitis (10%), hepatolithiasis (7%), malignancy (3%), portal hypertension (2%), and chronic pancreatitis (2%). Acute pancreatitis and cholangitis were managed conservatively. Endoscopic stenting was performed in patients with cholangitis and those requiring staged treatment as a result of portal hypertension. Overall 114 patients underwent cyst excision with Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy. The overall morbidity was 17.5 per cent (wound infection 13% and bilioenteric anastomotic leak 7%). There was one postoperative death resulting from cardiac failure. Three patients developed anastomotic stricture and underwent redo hepaticojejunostomy. Choledochal cysts in adults are often associated with complications. Complications are more common in adults compared with children. Acute pancreatitis, cholangitis and portal hypertension are managed conservatively and then followed up by definitive surgery. Cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is necessary to prevent the recurrence of complications.

Role of pressure and pancreatic reflux in the aetiology of choledochal malformation

Background

The aetiology of choledochal malformation is not known. Babbitt's hypothesis remains a popular concept, and assumes that activated pancreatic juice refluxes through the common pancreatobiliary channel causing mural damage and subsequent biliary dilatation. This hypothesis was tested clinically by evaluating the relationship between epithelial histology, choledochal pressure and degree of pancreatic reflux.

Methods

Children with choledochal malformation (cystic, type 1c; fusiform, type 1f; both intrahepatic and extrahepatic dilatation, type 4) operated on between January 1999 and October 2009 were identified. Where practical, choledochal pressure was measured on entry to the abdominal cavity, by puncture of the common bile duct, and bile was sampled for amylase content. Archival bile duct sections were scored using a semiquantitative epithelial lining/mural score (ELMS).

Results

A total of 90 children with choledochal malformations were operated on during the study interval. Histology was available for 73 children (median age 2·9 (interquartile range 1·3–7·9) years), 29 with type 1c, 31 with type 1f and 13 with type 4 malformations. There was a significant stepwise increase in pressure with choledochal morphology (median pressure 13, 17 and 20 mmHg for types 1f, 1c and 4 respectively; P = 0·037). There was an inverse relationship between choledochal pressure and bile amylase activity (rs = − 0·45, P &lt; 0·001). High ELMS values were associated with higher choledochal pressure (P = 0·057) and low bile amylase activity (P = 0·002).

Conclusion

High choledochal pressure (not bile amylase) was associated with more severe histopathological changes and choledochal morphology. These findings suggest that distal bile duct obstruction (and therefore high intraluminal pressure) contributes more to the key features of choledochal malformation than does pancreatic reflux.

Congenital choledochal malformation: not just a problem for children

Choledochal cysts remain relatively uncommon in Western Europe and the US, although they are appreciably more common in Asia. Their aetiology remains obscure although abnormalities of the pancreaticobiliary junction may be the primary pathology in some, with biliary dilatation following reflux of activated pancreatic secretions. Most anomalies will present in childhood with obstructive jaundice or abdominal pain; a proportion may only present for the first time during adulthood, and some of these will show malignant transformation. The classical triad of pain, jaundice and a palpable mass is, however, not common. Complete cyst excision, where possible, and biliary reconstruction remain the aims for most types although there is still some controversy about the type of reconstruction. Laparoscopic reconstruction is possible but is still very much an advanced technique. The risk of long-term problems post-surgery is significant. Whether this is due to recurrent pancreatitis secondary to the retained common channel and/or a distal stump, or due to the development of biliary tract malignancy is still a cause for concern and indicates the need for adequate, prolonged follow-up.

The management of prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

Although congenital biliary tree abnormalities are uncommon in the United States, more are being diagnosed antenatally with improved imaging techniques.

METHODS

To determine the prognosis of prenatally diagnosed biliary disease, the authors reviewed the treatment of 3 children who had biliary cystic lesions found during routine prenatal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

All 3 children were born at term. They had elevated bilirubin levels, and postnatal ultrasound scans confirmed the presence of a biliary cystic mass. They underwent exploration within 2 weeks of life. At operation, 2 children were found to have biliary atresia with a cystic biliary lesion. They underwent Kasai procedures and are doing well at 5 and 9 months of age. The third child was found to have a type I choledochal cyst and malrotation at exploration. He underwent cystectomy with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and a Ladd's procedure and is doing well at 3 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatally diagnosed biliary cysts represent a different spectrum of disease than those diagnosed later in life. The sequelae of biliary disease start before birth, and early operation may be necessary to achieve a good outcome. Because it is impossible to distinguish between choledochal cysts and biliary atresia on antenatal ultrasound scan or magnetic resonance imaging, children with presumed choledochal cysts should undergo early exploration to rule out potential biliary atresia. Excellent outcome is possible with early operation in the absence of severe associated anomalies.

Antenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the biliary tract

BACKGROUND

The accuracy of the technique of antenatal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of congenital bile duct lesions is unknown.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with proven biliary disease who had abnormal antenatal scans were reviewed. Two infants had type I cystic biliary atresia and one had a noncommunicating segmental dilatation of the bile duct in a type 3 biliary atresia. The remainder had choledochal cysts and included two patients with intrahepatic cysts. The correct diagnosis was made antenatally in only two (15%) cases. Of the remaining patients, seven received a diagnosis of intraabdominal cysts of unknown etiology, three of duodenal atresia, and one ovarian cyst. The median gestational age at the antenatal diagnosis was 20 weeks.

RESULTS

Jaundice developed in 11 infants, and dilatation of intrahepatic biliary radicals was noted in four of the choledochal cysts. Obstructive jaundice and increasing cyst size were indications for early surgery, and twelve infants underwent a laparotomy at a median age of 4 weeks. During the median follow-up period of 2 years, 12 of the 13 patients have lost their jaundice or remained anicteric. Antenatal diagnosis offers the possibility of early definitive surgery for uncomplicated choledochal dilatation and the chance of improved outcome for surgically treated biliary atresia. An algorithm is suggested for the management of antenatally detected cystic biliary lesions.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy in children

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy using iminodiacetic (IDA) radiopharmaceuticals provides clinically useful information on the function of the biliary tract in a variety of pathological processes in children, including neonatal jaundice, gallbladder dysfunction, trauma, and liver transplantation. Phenobarbital premedication (5 mg/kg per day for a minimum of 5 days in divided doses) is used in infants who are being examined for neonatal jaundice to increase the accuracy of 99mTc-IDA scintigraphy in differentiating extrahepatic biliary atresia from neonatal hepatitis. Biliary atresia can be ruled out in an infant if a patent biliary tree is shown with passage of activity into the bowel. If no radiopharmaceutical is noted in the bowel on imaging up to 24 hours, distinction between severe hepatocellular disease and biliary atresia cannot be made. The literature reports 91% accuracy, 97% sensitivity, and 82% specificity for hepatobiliary imaging in the diagnosis of biliary atresia. The impairment of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary drainage is an important cause of liver disease in cystic fibrosis. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy in cystic fibrosis has shown characteristic patterns of dilatation of mainly the left hepatic duct, narrowing of the distal common bile duct, gallbladder dysfunction, and delayed bowel transit. Cholecystitis in children may be acalculous. Sensitivity and specificity for the scintigraphic diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis is reported to range from 68% to 93% and 38% to 93%, respectively. Cholescintigraphy in a suspected bile leak provides information generally not available with other techniques, except for direct cholangiography. If the amount of intraperitoneal accumulation of the tracer is greater than that entering the gastrointestinal tract, surgery is usually indicated. Hepatobiliary imaging in children who have undergone liver transplantation will assess graft vascularity, parenchymal function, biliary drainage, presence of a leak, and obstruction.