Bile duct cyst as precursor to biliary tract cancer

Impact of prior cholecystectomy on diagnosis and outcomes of choledochal cyst resection in adults

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of choledochal cysts in the adult population is complicated by the expected physiologic dilation of the common bile duct after cholecystectomy. We aimed to compare patients who underwent choledochal cyst resection based on cholecystectomy status.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent choledochal cyst resection between 1/1/1998-12/31/2021. Patients were categorized based on whether they had undergone cholecystectomy prior to choledochal cyst diagnosis. Preoperative imaging characteristics, pathology findings, and outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Amongst 119 patients who underwent excision, 58 (46 ​%) had and 69 (54 ​%) had not undergone prior cholecystectomy. Preoperative imaging demonstrated no difference in biliary tract diameter although a greater proportion of patients with a gallbladder in place had an anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (55 ​% v 33 ​%, p ​< ​0.05). Biliary malignancy was observed in a greater proportion of patients with prior cholecystectomy although this was not statistically significant (5 ​% v 3 ​%; p ​= ​0.9). Rates of post-operative complications were statistically similar between patient cohorts.

DISCUSSION

Radiographic and clinical features were similar among patients who had and had not undergone cholecystectomy. Choledochal cyst patients should be managed uniformly regardless of cholecystectomy status.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Choledochal Cysts: A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Choledochocele

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are cystic dilations of intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. Around 80% of CCs are diagnosed within the first decade of life. These complex clinical entities are extremely rare, especially in the Western population. CCs are frequently classified according to the Todani classification. CCs may be asymptomatic or present as acute pancreatitis and/or cholangitis, biliary obstruction, or malignancy. Therefore, the diagnosis relies primarily on abdominal imaging modalities, mainly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Management is tailored based on the cyst morphology and the patient's clinical characteristics, with surveillance, surgery, and interventional endoscopy being the most frequent management options. While the surgical approach is the most frequently employed, type III CCs (also known as choledochocele) are frequently managed endoscopically, and novel endoscopic, minimally invasive treatment options are rapidly emerging.

Gallbladder and biliary pathology: lessons learned from multidisciplinary conference

The radiologic diagnosis of biliary disease can be challenging due to atypical or delayed presentation, rare or less common entities, and imaging overlap of benign and malignant processes. Establishing a specific diagnosis, when possible, is important to avoid progression of infections to sepsis and multiorgan failure, and for appropriate staging and management in cases of malignancy. Gallstones are the most common biliary disease, and along with stone-related complications, including cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis, constitute the majority of acute biliary pathology. Late and atypical manifestations of acute cholecystitis demonstrate imaging overlap with primary gallbladder cholangiocarcinoma, especially with cases of exuberant inflammatory reaction such as xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Additional challenging scenarios related to gallbladder disease, that may be benign or malignant, include adjacent fistulas and lymphadenopathy. Dropped gallstones, especially in atypical locations, may be misdiagnosed as neoplastic. Recurrent cholecystitis after cholecystectomy, whether related to subtotal cholecystectomy or to stumpitis, is another entity that can be confusing to the radiologist with a documented history of cholecystectomy. Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as pseudotumors and IgG4 disease, are a less common but not infrequent cause of diagnostic dilemma. Furthermore, biliary strictures and hepatobiliary cystic lesions can be benign or malignant and could constitute a diagnostic and management challenge. The goal of this manuscript is to present the lessons learned from multidisciplinary conferences on the above entities and suggest tips and pearls to maximize the value of radiologists' contribution to patient management.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Focal Liver Lesions

Focal liver lesions (FLLs) have become an increasingly common finding on abdominal imaging, especially asymptomatic and incidental liver lesions. Gastroenterologists and hepatologists often see these patients in consultation and make recommendations for management of multiple types of liver lesions, including hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hemangioma, and hepatic cystic lesions including polycystic liver disease. Malignancy is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of FLLs, and healthcare providers must be familiar with the diagnosis and management of FLLs. This American College of Gastroenterology practice guideline uses the best evidence available to make diagnosis and management recommendations for the most common FLLs.

Pancreatobiliary reflux increases macrophage-secreted IL-8 and activates the PI3K/NFκB pathway to promote cholangiocarcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

Persistent pancreaticobiliary reflux (PBR) is associated with a high risk of biliary malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of PBR in biliary tract diseases and mechanisms by which PBR promoted cholangiocarcinoma progression.

METHODS

Overall 227 consecutive patients with primary biliary tract disease participated in this study. The amylase levels in the collected bile were analyzed. The mechanisms underlying the effect of high-amylase bile on bile duct epithelial and cholangiocarcinoma cells progression were analyzed. The source of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and its effects on the biological functions of cholangiocarcinoma cells were investigated.

RESULTS

The bile amylase levels in 148 of 227 patients were higher than the upper serum amylase limit of 135 IU/L. PBR was significantly correlated with sex, pyrexia, and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels in the patient cohort. High-amylase bile-induced DNA damage and genetic differences in the transcript levels of the gallbladder mucosa and facilitated the proliferation and migration of bile duct cancer cells (HUCCT1 and QBC939 cells). The concentration of many cytokines increased in high-amylase bile. IL-8 is secreted primarily by macrophages via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and partially by bile duct epithelial cells. IL-8 promotes the progression of HUCCT1 and QBC939 cells by regulating the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated proteins and activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/nuclear factor kappa-B pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

PBR is one of the primary causes of biliary disease. IL-8 secreted by macrophages or bile duct epithelial cells stimulated by high-amylase bile promotes cholangiocarcinoma progression.

Biliary Cyst: An Unusual Cause of Cholestasis Post Cholecystectomy

Biliary cysts are relatively uncommon and they can be congenital or acquired and can have various presentations such as cholelithiasis, cholangitis, jaundice, and pancreatitis. Biliary cysts are associated with a high risk of biliary cancers and such risk increases with age. Identification of biliary cysts warrants an aggressive approach to lower cancer risk. Surgical management has a high success rate and it lowers morbidity, mortality, and cancer risk. We present a 40-year-old female who had a cholecystectomy in 2016. She presented with obstructive jaundice and was found to have a class I biliary cyst. She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stenting which led to complete resolution of her symptoms. Later, she underwent elective Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with cyst resection three months later. She underwent a successful recovery.

Clinical characteristics of solitary intrahepatic biliary cyst

Solitary intrahepatic biliary cyst (SIBC) is a rare disease, and due to the lack of adequate understanding of it, SIBC is often misdiagnosed as simple liver cyst (SLC), which in turn affects the therapeutic effect. In order to arouse more attention to SIBC, combined with clinical experience in our center, this study specifically screened 3 representative cases of SIBC, and conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis of their clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment process. Combined with the relevant literature, the diagnosis and treatment process of SIBC is widely discussed.

Diseases of the Gallbladder and Biliary Tree

Diseases of the gallbladder include a spectrum of gallstone diseases (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and cholangitis), cysts, polyps, and malignancy. In this review, we present the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these various conditions. Importantly, we report when more urgent referral is indicated, as well as red flags that warrant further intervention and/or management.

Characteristics, management and outcomes of choledochal malformations in Finnish adult patients

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of operated patients developed long-term postoperative complications. A novel association between CMs and IBD was observed. Although no hepatobiliary malignancies regardless of treatment modality were encountered, the number of patients and length of follow-up remained limited.

Establishment and validation of a predictive nomogram for the risk of premalignant lesions in children with choledochal cyst

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cyst (CDC) increases the risk (2.5%-30%) of malignancy. Metaplasia and dysplasia have been recognized as premalignant lesions among CDCs. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of metaplasia and dysplasia in CDC children.

METHODS

Two hundred and ten CDC children who underwent cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy at our institution between July 2020 and November 2021 were included and randomly divided into the training set and validation set. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of premalignant lesions in the training set and build a predictive nomogram. The performance and discriminatory abilities of the nomogram were further assessed and validated in the validation set.

RESULTS

Of the 210 CDC children, 78 (37.1%) patients developed premalignant lesions. Age (OR, 1.011, 95%CI, 1.000-1.022, P = 0.046), symptoms duration (OR, 1.021, 95%CI, 1.001-1.042, P = 0.036), cyst diameter (OR, 1.737, 95%CI, 1.328-2.273, P < 0.001), recurrent attacks of biliary pancreatitis (OR, 3.653, 95%CI, 1.205-11.076, P = 0.022), and biliary operation history (OR, 5.860, 95%CI, 1.268-27.084, P = 0.024) were identified as independent risk factors. Based on these predictors, a predictive nomogram was generated. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.873 in the training set and 0.793 in the validation set, indicating that it was robust and well calibrated.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel nomogram to the individualized risk of premalignant lesions in CDC children was successfully built, on the basis of age, symptoms duration, cyst diameter, recurrent attacks of biliary pancreatitis, and biliary operation history. This nomogram, combined with the final pathological results, can help clinicians to develop more efficient follow-up strategies for the high-risk children with CDC.

Diagnosis and management of choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are rare cystic dilatations of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. We review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CCs.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases were queried for "choledochal cyst", "bile duct cyst", "choledochocele", and "Caroli disease". Data were synthesized and systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

Classified according to the Todani Classification, CCs are generally believed to arise secondary to reflux of pancreatic enzymes into the biliary tree due to anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct union. Complications of CCs include abdominal pain, jaundice, cystolithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, liver abscess, liver cirrhosis and malignant transformation (3-7.5%). Radiological and endoscopic imaging is the cornerstone of CC diagnosis and full delineation of cyst anatomy is imperative for proper management. Management is generally guided by cyst classification with complete cyst excision necessary for CCs with high potential of malignant transformation such as types I and IV. 5-year overall survival after choledochal cyst excision is 95.5%.

CONCLUSION

Most CCs should undergo surgical intervention to mitigate the risk of cyst related complications such as cholangitis and malignant transformation.

Simultaneous laparoscopic removal of a Todani type II choledochal cyst and a microlithiasic cholecystitis

Diverticula of the choledochus, better known as Todani type II cysts, are very rare and represent a predominantly pediatric pathology. Their identification by radiological methods, even if occasional, requires clinical doctors to request a surgical consultation, even for asymptomatic subjects, to proceed with their removal, given the risk of associated neoplasms. The laparoscopic approach for surgical treatment of these cysts has been recently introduced with excellent results. Due to the poor clinical records, currently there are neither shared protocols about their management nor long-term follow-up of operated patients. We report a case of an adult female suffering for years from biliary colic due to the presence of a duodenal diverticulum associated with microlithiasis' cholecystitis, who was laparoscopically treated, with excellent results in terms of symptomatic regression, reduced hospitalization, and no surgery-related complications.

Pathogenesis of Choledochal Cyst: Insights from Genomics and Transcriptomics

Choledochal cysts (CC) is characterized by extra- and/or intra-hepatic b\ile duct dilations. There are two main theories, “pancreaticobiliary maljunction” and “congenital stenosis of bile ducts” proposed for the pathogenesis of CC. Although family cases or CC associated with other anomalies have been reported, the molecular pathogenesis of CC is still poorly understood. Recent advances in transcriptomics and genomics analysis platforms have unveiled key expression signatures/genes/signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of human diseases including CC. This review summarizes insights from genomics and transcriptomics studies into the pathogenesis of CC, with the aim to improve (i) our understanding of its underlying complex pathomechanisms, and (ii) clinical management of different subtypes of CC, in particular their associated hepatic fibrotic change and their risk of malignancy transformation.

MED12-related Hardikar syndrome: Two additional cases and novel phenotypic features

Hardikar syndrome (HS) is a MED12‐related ultra‐rare multiple congenital malformation syndrome known to affect the gastrointestinal, cardiac, and genitourinary systems among other features including cleft lip/palate and pigmentary retinopathy. Only 10 patients affected with HS have been previously described in literature, of which seven were molecularly confirmed. We report a 20‐year‐old and a 13‐month‐old patient with HS diagnosed by exome sequencing bringing the total number of clinically diagnosed cases to 12 and MED12 associated to 9. We describe previously unreported molecular and clinical findings associated with HS and review all reported cases to permit prompt diagnosis, appropriate management, and genetic counseling of HS patients.

Surgical Management and Prognosis of Congenital Choledochal Cysts in Adults: A Single Asian Center Cohort of 69 Cases

Background

The choledochal cyst (CC) is a rare cystic dilatory condition with malignant tendency, which is more frequently reported in children. Surgical resection of cysts can significantly decrease the risk of malignancy and reduce associated complications. However, CC has been paid lesser attention in adults, and its surgical parameters have been frequently reported to be in dispute. This study aimed to report experience associated with the treatment of an adult with CC and to suggest the appropriate parameters for the surgery, including the extent of excision (complete or not), the length of the Y limb, the diameter of the cholangio-intestinal anastomosis (CIA), and different operative approaches (open, laparoscopic, and laparoscopic converted to open) by comparing the various indicators, including postoperative bile leakage, cholangitis, choledocholithiasis, carcinogenesis, and surgical re-excision.

Methods

We conducted a single-center noninterventional retrospective study of 69 different congenital choledochal cyst patients who were admitted to our hospital between July 2010 and July 2020. We collected and analyzed their demographic data, clinical presentations, underlying complications, imaging tests, endoscopic interventions, and parameters for the surgery, histological data, and prognostic indicators over a mean 77-month follow-up period.

Results

We found that out of the 69 cases, the median age at diagnosis was 32 (IQR = 22–45) years. Seven (10.1%) patients were asymptomatic before the diagnosis, with abdominal pain as the primary complaint in 62 (89.9%) patients, whereas nausea/vomiting was observed in 29 (42.0%) patients. CCs were mainly evaluated by using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) (n = 47, 68.1%). It was observed that surgery, cholecystectomy, choledochal cysts excision, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (n = 65, 94.2%), and laparotomy (n = 58, 84.1%) were the dominant therapeutic modalities employed. However, seventeen (24.6%) patients were treated with incomplete cyst resection, while 52 (75.4%) patients received complete cyst resection. We also conducted regular follow-ups after the surgery for a mean duration of 77 months. Postoperative complications were found to be experienced by 35 (50.7%) patients, and a further two patients (2.9%) developed malignancy during the follow-up. Moreover, increasing the diameter of cholangio-intestinal anastomosis served as a potential protective factor for postoperative choledocholithiasis (p = 0.040) and a risk factor for cholangitis (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Among the 69 CC participants, abdominal pain was their major symptom. Those with an abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction were more likely to have choledocholithiasis and pancreatitis. The diagnosis was found to be highly dependent on the Todani classification scheme and MRCP. Surgical resection remains the key to CC treatment. The results suggested that the complete resection, the length of the Y limb of 40 cm–60 cm, and the diameter of the CIA of 1.0 cm–1.5 cm were appropriate values for predicting the lower risk of postoperative complications.

Choledochal Cyst or Benign Biliary Dilation: Is Resection Always Necessary?

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts (CC) are often diagnosed during the first few decades of life, when, due to the risk of malignancy, resection is advised. With an increasing number of patients undergoing abdominal imaging, many older patients have recently been radiographically diagnosed with biliary duct enlargement that meets the criteria of choledochal cysts. The management in these patients is less well defined, but resection is often recommended as it is for younger patients. We sought to better understand the significance of these biliary duct anomalies in adults.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients 18 years and older at our institution, who were given a radiographic diagnosis of choledochal cyst during the interval 2006-2019. Demographics, comorbidities, complications, readmissions, and follow-up imaging were evaluated.

RESULTS

We identified 22 patients, of whom 40.9% (n = 9) underwent an operation. The remainder was observed. Median duct size was 15 mm (range 2-25 mm). There were no significant differences in demographics between the two cohorts. Of those who underwent resection, none had evidence of high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma upon final pathology. However, 33.3% (n = 3) had subsequent readmissions for complications, including post-operative nausea and vomiting, cholangitis, and anastomotic stenoses that required stenting. In the observation group, there was no obvious growth of the cysts or development of worrisome features to suggest malignant degeneration (median follow-up = 68 months).

CONCLUSION

A radiographic diagnosis of choledochal cyst in older adults is likely a different entity than those diagnosed in childhood. Close surveillance of these biliary duct anomalies in older adults may be a better option than resection and reconstruction with the associated risks of long-term morbidity.

Risk factors for preoperative carcinogenesis of bile duct cysts in adults

BACKGROUND

Bile duct cyst (BDC) is a rare congenital bile duct malformation. The incidence of bile duct malignancy in BDC patients is markedly higher than that in the general population. However, few studies have been conducted on the risk factors for preoperative carcinogenesis in BDC patients.

AIM

To analyze the risk factors associated with preoperative carcinogenesis in BDC patients.

METHODS

The medical records of BDC patients treated at our hospital between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. We constructed a database and compared the characteristics of BDC patients with dysplasia and carcinoma against those with benign cysts. The risk factors for preoperative carcinogenesis were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 109 BDC patients. Ten patients had preoperative dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that gallbladder wall thickness > 0.3 cm [odds ratio (OR), 6.551; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.351 to 31.763; P = 0.020] and Todani type IV (OR, 7.675; 95%CI, 1.584 to 37.192; P = 0.011) were independent factors associated with preoperative carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSION

BDC is a premalignant condition. Our findings show that gallbladder wall thickness > 0.3 cm and Todani type IV are independent risk factors for preoperative carcinogenesis of BDC. They are therefore useful for deciding on the appropriate treatment strategy, especially in asymptomatic patients.

Risk of carcinogenesis in the biliary epithelium of children with congenital biliary dilatation through epigenetic and genetic regulation

PURPOSES

Congenital biliary dilatation (CBD), defined as pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) with biliary dilatation, is a high risk factor for biliary tract cancer (BTC). KRAS and p53 mutations reportedly affect this process, but the mechanisms are unclear, as is the likelihood of BTC later in life in children with CBD. We investigated potential carcinogenetic pathways in children with CBD compared with adults.

METHODS

The subjects of this study were nine children with CBD and 13 adults with PBM (10 dilated, 3 non-dilated) without BTC who underwent extrahepatic bile duct resections, as well as four control patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for non-biliary cancer. We evaluated expressions of Ki-67, KRAS, p53, histone deacetylase (HDAC) and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in the biliary tract epithelium immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

The Ki-67 labeling index (LI) and expressions of KRAS, p53, HDAC, and AID in the gallbladder epithelium were significantly higher or tended to be higher in both the children with CBD and the adults with PBM than in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

BTC may develop later in children with CBD and in adults with PBM, via HDAC and AID expression and through epigenetic and genetic regulation.

Choledochal Cysts Resected during Childhood Show No Mutations of KRAS and BRAF as Early Markers of Malignancy in Cholangiocytes

INTRODUCTION

 In patients with choledochal cysts (CDC), a hyperplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence can lead to biliary tract malignancy. The limited data available suggest that the risk decreases considerably after excision in childhood. We analyzed samples of resected CDC from pediatric patients histologically and performed mutational analysis of the proto-oncogenes KRAS and BRAF as early markers of malignant alteration in cholangiocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 After institutional review board approval, patients undergoing resection for CDC in our center from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively identified. Histopathological reports were searched for inflammation and endothelial alteration. Cases with sufficient tissue specimen were tested for KRAS codon 12/13 and BRAF codon 600 mutations by pyrosequencing.

RESULTS

 In total, 42 patients underwent resection for choledochal cyst in the study period. Median age at surgery was 2.4 years (range = 18 days-18 years). Histopathological analysis showed no malignancy, but various degrees of inflammation or fibrosis in approximately 50% of the patients and in all age groups. Sufficient tissue for mutation analysis was available for 22 cases, all of which tested negative for KRAS or BRAF mutation.

CONCLUSION

 In our series, chronic inflammatory changes were frequently present in CDC of infants and children. However, the lack of KRAS and BRAF mutations suggests that no malignant changes have been initiated in this group of European patients undergoing early resection.

It seems like cholangiocarcinoma but it is not: discovering the choledochal cyst

A 52-year-old female was referred for a study of a left intrahepatic bile duct dilation with an initial suspicion of Klatskin. Analytically, there was no cholestasis and tumor markers were negative. On echoendoscopy, there was dilation of the intrahepatic bile duct to the confluence at the level of the left hepatic lobe, with no evidence of a lesion that could be biopsied by fine needle aspiration (FNA).

Vomiting of unclear etiology in an autistic child-multiple possible diagnoses: A case report

Appendicitis is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED) presenting with abdominal pain or vomiting and is often the foremost etiology the provider must rule out using history and physical examination. However, history and physical examination is limited in children and the developmentally delayed who are often non-cooperative. Less commonly, choledochal cysts are found that also require management, or rarer still, multiple possible radiologic or surgical diagnoses. This case report follows a delayed child presenting with vomiting found to have a large type 1 choledochal cyst, cholecystitis, and appendicitis on advanced imaging prompting surgical management of these etiologies. This report reviews the evaluation of children with vomiting and the need for thorough evaluation with advanced imaging when appropriate.

Choledochal cysts: Management and long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts are congenital anomalies that can occur at any level of the biliary tree. They carry long-term risk of biliary complications and cancer development. Complete excision of all involved bile ducts is recommended.

METHODS

Patients treated between 1995 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Sixty patients; 46 female and 14 male with a median age of 41 years (range 13-83) were included in the study. Mild abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (60%). Majority of the patients had Todani type I cysts (67%). Concomitant biliary malignancy was diagnosed in five patients (9%). Eight patients were followed-up conservatively (13%). Twenty-five patients were treated by excision of the extrahepatic bile ducts and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, liver resection was added in seven, pancreatoduodenectomy was done in three and liver transplantation in one. There was no perioperative mortality. Postoperative complications developed in 17 patients (34%), two requiring surgical treatment. Four of the five patients with malignancies died at a median 42 months (range 6-95) following surgery. Median 62 months (range 8-280) follow-up was available in 45 surgically treated patients, 19 followed-up for more than 10 years. None of the patients developed malignancy during follow-up. Four patients (17%) were readmitted for anastomotic strictures requiring treatment.

CONCLUSION

The majority of choledochal cysts are Todani type-I and early cyst excision is the mainstay of management, which may decrease the risk of malignant transformation.

A Remnant Choledochal Cyst after Choledochal Cyst Excision Treated with a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent: A Case Report

A lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a saddle-shaped stent with large flanges at both ends, thereby preventing stent migration and helping with approximation of the adjacent structures. We report the case of a 25-year-old female with remnant choledochal cyst which was successfully treated with LAMS after initial treatment failure with a plastic stent. Although complete excision of the cyst is the definite treatment of choledochal cysts, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cystoduodenostomy can be considered in cases wherein surgery is not feasible and dysplasia is not present. LAMS may be preferred to plastic stents for effective resolution of remnant choledochal cyst and prevention of ascending infection.

The Use of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Unexplained Biliary Dilation

Isolated biliary dilation, as an incidental diagnosis, is increasing owing to an increase in the use of noninvasive abdominal imaging and poses a diagnostic challenge to physicians especially when further noninvasive diagnostic testing fails to reveal an etiology. This article reviews available data describing the natural history of this clinical scenario and the impact of endoscopic ultrasound examination in the evaluation of unexplained dilation of the common bile duct.

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction and congenital biliary dilatation

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction is a congenital malformation in which the pancreatic and bile ducts join outside the duodenal wall, usually forming a long common channel. Because the action of the sphincter of Oddi does not regulate the function of the pancreaticobiliary junction in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction, two-way regurgitation occurs. Reflux of pancreatic juice into the biliary tract is associated with a high incidence of biliary cancer. Biliary carcinogenesis in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction is thought to follow the hyperplasia, dysplasia, then carcinoma sequence due to chronic inflammation caused by pancreatobiliary reflux. Pancreaticobiliary maljunction is diagnosed when an abnormally long common channel is evident on imaging studies. Congenital biliary dilatation involves both local dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct, including the common bile duct, and pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Extrahepatic bile duct resection is the standard surgery for congenital biliary dilatation. However, complete excision of the intrapancreatic bile duct and removal of stenoses of the hepatic ducts are necessary to prevent serious complications after surgery.

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.

Cystic metastasis from a mucinous adenocarcinoma of duodenum mimicking type II choledochal cyst: A case report

A 51-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital because of an incidentally detected cystic mass near the common bile duct (CBD). Imaging studies demonstrated a cystic mass that was suspected to communicate with the CBD. Gastroscopy showed irregular mucosal thickening with hyperemic change in the second portion of the duodenum. A type II choledochal cyst combined with duodenal malignancy was suspected. The patient underwent surgical resection and the histological diagnosis was mucinous adenocarcinoma of the duodenum with cystic metastasis. Although its incidence is extremely rare, care should be taken to check for other sites of malignancy when a pericholedochal cystic mass is detected.

The distal classification and management of choledochal cyst in adults: Based on the relation between cyst and pancreatic duct

Todani classification is extensively used to guide the surgical strategy of choledochal cysts, but no systematic investigations on the distal management of intrapancreatic choledochal cysts have been conducted. This study reports the distal classification and management of choledochal cysts in adults based on the relation between the cyst and pancreatic duct. Patients with choledochal cyst who underwent operation, including distal management, in our department from January 2009 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients presenting symptoms, coexisting diseases, surgical treatment, perioperative complications, and long-term follow-up according to the distal classification of choledochal cyst were analyzed. A total of 54 patients with choledochal cyst were included in the present retrospective study. Based on the distal classification of choledochal cyst, 39 patients (72.22%) were type 1, 13 patients (24.07%) were type 2, and 2 patients (3.70%) were type 3. Thirty-nine type 1 patients and 10 type 2 patients underwent excision of intrapancreatic choledochal cyst or bile duct. Three type 2 patients received excision of distal cylindrical cyst and papilla, followed by pancreatic duct plasty with duodenum mucosa. One type 3 patient underwent endoscopic sphincteroplasty, and another type 3 patient underwent transduodenal sphincteroplasty. After the operation, 11 patients (20.37%, 11/54) had short-term perioperative complications. The long-term follow-up results showed that the satisfactory rate (excellent and good outcomes) was 95.83%. Current distal classification of choledochal cysts could provide a more targeted strategy for complete excision to eliminate potential dead space within the pancreas, protect the pancreatic duct, and prevent reoperation.

An impressive choledochal cyst and its surgical resection

INTRODUCTION

Choledochal cysts are rare congenital dilations of the biliary tree that can present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, cholelithiasis and pancreatitis. Although most commonly identified in children, they can be found in the adult population. However, because of the non-specific symptoms, this diagnosis may be difficult to make in the adult. A physician therefore must keep this diagnosis within their differential, as it may arise in an unexpected patient population who may present with a convoluted work up.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this report, we present the case of a 50-year-old African American woman with recurrent cholelithiasis, cholangitis and eventually obstructive jaundice despite undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy six years prior. Her only work up at that point was a right upper quadrant ultrasound revealing gallbladder sludge, which led to her cholecystectomy. It was the persistence of her symptoms-abdominal pain, cholangitis and obstructive jaundice-previously attributed to chronic cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis that warranted further work up. After multiple physician visits, she was referred to our academic center after an ERCP was performed and she was found to have a dilation of her common bile duct consistent with a choledochal cyst. Furthermore, the ERCP identified multiple bile duct stones within the cyst. This was not identified on her original ultrasound or prior ERCPs. The patient underwent a complete cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and did well post-operatively.

DISCUSSION

This report illustrates how choledochal cysts can be an elusive diagnosis, but may present with repeated infections, recurrent biliary stones, and biliary obstruction despite a cholecystectomy. Had she an MRCP prior to her cholecystectomy, she would likely have avoided multiple surgeries, and years of persistent symptoms. Choledochal cysts are associated with an increased risk of biliary malignancy and therefore cyst excision is the standard of care.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, physicians need to keep this diagnosis in mind, and be aware of the clinical and imaging findings consistent with a choledochal cyst in order to facilitate appropriate work up, referral and treatment.

Biliary cysts in adults. 26 years experience at a single center

Background

Biliary cysts are duct dilatation that can occur on all biliary ducts, 20–25% is diagnosed in adults. The classic triad for the clinical presentation consists on abdominal pain, jaundice and abdominal mass. The standard treatment is surgical resection and bilioenteric anastomosis. The objective of this study is to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of biliary cysts in our center.

Methods

This is an observational retrospective study, we included patients older than 16 years old with biliary cyst from march 1989 to February 2015. The demographic and clinical information was collected from the charts and electronic records available at our Hospital.

Results

Biliary cysts were reported on 52 patients, only 25 clinical charts were available. The main symptom was abdominal pain in 21 (84%). The diagnosis was performed with abdominal ultrasound in 16 (64%). The most frequent type was IA in 9 (36%). All patients were treated with surgery as a definitive management.

Discussion

Vague clinical presentation results on a delay of the diagnosis and treatment. Surgical resection is recommended for patients since they have an increased risk for malignant transformation. Postoperative complications in our patients were stenosis of bilioenteric anastomosis in 3 (12%) patients.

Conclusions

Biliary cysts require an accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment in order to decrease the risk of malignant transformation and progression of the disease. Precise surgical treatment is needed to achieve complete resection and a long term postoperative follow up is mandatory.

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The objective is to analyze prevalence and characteristics of biliary cysts in our center.

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Vague clinical presentation results on a delay of the diagnosis and treatment.

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Surgery is recommended because of increased risk for malignant transformation.

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Most common complication in our patients was stenosis of bilioenteric anastomosis.

Expression profile of microRNA-200 family in cholangiocarcinoma arising from choledochal cyst

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The risk of cholangiocarcinoma (cCC) arising from choledochal cyst (CC-CC) is imminent, if the latter not treated appropriately in time. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a critical step for various solid cancers, which is regulated by the microRNA-200 (miR-200) family. The aim of this study was to assess the role of miR-200 family in the pathogenesis of CC-CC.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with CC-CC were enrolled and 254 patients with conventional cCC served as clinicopathologic controls. Fifty-four cCC were selected to compare the miR-200 family expression and immunohistochemical characteristics. Gain-and loss-of-function studies of miR-200 family were conducted using the cCC cell lines.

RESULTS

CC-CC were younger (P < 0.01), more female- predominated (P < 0.01), and rarely associated with lithiasis (P < 0.01) compared with those of cCC. miR-200 family was down-regulated in CC-CC, while miR-200 family was paradoxically up-regulated in cCC (P < 0.01). CC-CC exhibited overt overexpression of mesenchymal markers including ZEB1, Twist, Snail, and vimentin as well an aberrant E-cadherin expression in comparison with cCC. In vitro migration assay showed that cCC cells bearing lower miR-200 s levels exhibited stronger migration ability. Invasive ability of cCC cells was increased after miR-200 s knockdown, accompanied by up-regulation of mesenchymal markers.

CONCLUSIONS

CC-CC was characterized by distinct demographics, precipitating factors, and down-regulation of miR-200 family, compared with those of cCC. The pathogenesis of CC-CC might partly link to the silencing of miR-200 family, acting via ZEB1-directed EMT activation.

Biliary strictures and masses: an expanded differential diagnosis

Biliary strictures and masses are commonly a result of cholangiocarcinoma. However, there are several congenital, infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, iatrogenic, and neoplastic etiologies that should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. Knowledge of the key imaging and clinical findings will aid in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment.

Alcoholic hepatitis accelerates early hepatobiliary cancer by increasing stemness and miR-122-mediated HIF-1α activation

Alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops with advanced alcoholic liver disease and liver fibrosis. Using adult mice, we evaluate the effect of alcoholic steatohepatitis on early hepatobiliary carcinoma after initiation by diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN). Here we show that alcohol-fed DEN-injected mice have higher ALT and liver-to-body weight ratio compared to pair-fed DEN-injected mice. Alcohol feeding results in steatohepatitis indicated by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic genes. MRI and liver histology of alcohol+DEN mice shows hepatobiliary cysts, early hepatic neoplasia and increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein. Proliferation makers (BrdU, cyclin D1, p53) and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and nanog) are significantly up-regulated in livers of alcohol-fed DEN-injected mice compared to controls. In livers with tumors, loss of miR-122 expression with a significant up-regulation of miR-122 target HIF-1α is seen. We conclude that alcoholic steatohepatitis accelerates hepatobiliary tumors with characteristic molecular features of HCC by up-regulating inflammation, cell proliferation, stemness, and miR-122 loss.

[Bile duct cysts; an unusual cause of jaundice in paediatrics. Presentation of a case series]

INTRODUCTION

Cysts of the bile duct or choledochal cysts are rare diseases in our area. The aetiology is unknown, with the most accepted hypothesis being a pancreatobiliary maljunction anomaly.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of a number of patients with choledochal cyst, as well as presenting an update on this condition.

METHOD

A retrospective descriptive study was performed on paediatric patients diagnosed with choledochal cyst in the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital.

CASE REPORTS

A total of 4 choledochal cyst cases in childhood, predominantly female, are pre- sented. The most frequent reason for consultation was vomiting, and presenting with jaundice and choluria in all cases. Patients with choledochal cyst were classified as type I in 3 cases, and one case of type IVa. In all cases surgical treatment was performed; any patient had complications to date.

CONCLUSIONS

Cysts of the bile ducts have a low prevalence. The treatment of choice is surgical, requiring close monitoring due to the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

Role of the Surgical Method in Development of Postoperative Cholangiocarcinoma in Todani Type IV Bile Duct Cysts

Background. Our purpose was to investigate the association between the surgical approach for Todani type IV cysts and subsequent malignancy rate. Methods. The records of patients who received cyst excision from 1994 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively for the following data: demographics, presenting symptoms, postoperative outcomes, malignant transformation, and follow-up reexaminations, including imaging, laboratory, and tumor marker tests. Results. Seven of the 196 patients initially treated at our hospital developed postoperative biliary malignancy, and the surgical approaches were extrahepatic bile duct cyst resection combined with hilar cholangioplasty and Roux-en-Y cystojejunostomy (n = 5), and intra- and extrahepatic bile duct cyst resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (n = 2). The overall malignancy rate was 3.6% (7/196). Forty-eight patients initially treated at other hospitals developed malignancy postoperatively: 15 (31.2%) remained untreated and 33 (68.8%) had undergone incomplete resection procedures. Because Todani type IV cysts were seen in 268 patients, the postoperative malignancy rate of this group of patients was 12.3% (33/268). Conclusions. Radical resection of both intra- and extrahepatic cysts combined with hepatic resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is associated with a reduced risk of subsequent cancer development. Procedures in which radical cyst excision is not performed are associated with a greater risk of subsequent malignancy.

Ruptured choledochal cyst: a rare presentation and unique approach to management

We present the rare case of a ruptured choledochal cyst (CC) in a young woman presenting with a two-day history of worsening upper abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a contracted gallbladder, dilated common bile duct (CBD), and a large amount of peritoneal fluid. Percutaneous paracentesis was performed, obtaining bilious fluid. Further imaging revealed cystic dilatation of the CBD and the diagnosis of rupture CC type I was made. The patient was initially managed conservatively with percutaneous drains, IV antibiotic therapy, and sphincterotomy through an ERCP. Elective cyst resection and Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy was performed 8 weeks later. It is important to differentiate a ruptured CC from other surgical emergencies without exploratory laparotomy. Initial conservative management could be considered, followed by elective resection once inflammation, infection, and other complications have resolved, avoiding the increased risk associated with an emergency operation or two-stage laparotomy.

Choledochal cysts: a clinicopathologic study of 36 cases with emphasis on the morphologic and the immunohistochemical features of premalignant and malignant alterations

Choledochal cysts (CDCs) are believed to represent a risk factor for the development of neoplasia. However, the frequency and morphology of neoplastic changes have not been systematically studied, especially in North America. Our aims were to study the frequency and morphology of preneoplastic/neoplastic changes of CDCs. Thirty-six cysts were subjected to clinicopathological analyses. Metaplasia was found in 14 of 35, of which 9 had biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN). Of the 14 with metaplasia, 13 showed pyloric gland; 5, intestinal; and 2, squamous. BilINs included 6 BilIN-1, 2 BilIN-2, and 2 BilIN-3. Carcinoma was identified in 5 cases of which 3 were associated with metaplasia and BilIN. Only 1 of 18 cases without metaplasia had BilIN, and none had carcinoma (P = .0008). There was a trend toward more BilIN and carcinoma with intestinal rather than with pyloric gland metaplasia. All cases with metaplasia or/and BilIN were negative for MUC1. All cases with intestinal metaplasia were positive for CK20, CDX2, and MUC2, whereas cases with pyloric gland were positive for MUC6. MUC1, CEA, and B72.3 were positive only in carcinoma. There was a trend toward increasing p53 and Ki-67 from metaplasia to BilIN to carcinoma. Four of 5 patients with carcinoma died, and one was alive with disease. All others were free of disease except for one who developed new cysts. CDCs are associated with a high rate of BilIN (28.5%) and carcinoma (14.3%). CDCs show a sequence of tumor progression from metaplasia to BilIN and carcinoma.

Diagnosis and treatment of choledochoceles

Choledochoceles are cystic dilatations of the intraduodenal portion of the common bile duct. Although often classified as Type III biliary cysts, choledochoceles have distinctive demographic and anatomic features and a lower risk of malignancy than other types of choledochal cysts. Type A choledochoceles are cystic dilatations of a segment of the intra-ampullary bile duct and are located proximal to the ampullary orifice. Type B choledochoceles are diverticula of the intra-ampullary common channel and are located distal to the ampullary orifice; they can be distinguished from duodenal duplication cysts both anatomically and histologically. Both types of choledochocele may present with pancreatitis, biliary obstruction, or nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are useful for diagnosis. Choledochoceles may be drained or resected endoscopically. Surveillance for dysplasia should be considered for lesions that are not resected.