Cystic malformation of cystic duct: 10 cases and review of literature

Type VI Choledochal Cyst and the Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Junction: A Systematic Review

Background

The type VI choledochal cyst of the cystic duct (CC-CD) is not only a taxonomical conundrum but also a matter of research in terms of its etiopathogenesis and optimal therapeutic options. The role of anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ) and pancreatic juice regurgitation in the etiopathogenesis of CC-CD and its association with biliary malignancies has not been elucidated yet.

Objective

To evaluate the role of anomalous PBJ in the etiopathogenesis of CC-CD and generate a scientific opinion through a systematic review of the literature.

Materials and Methods

A literature review (PUBMED, PUBMED Central, PMC, Google Scholar, Google search engine) following the PRISMA guidelines revealed 32 articles of interest. Search terms included choledochal cyst, choledochal, cyst, type VI, type 6, cystic duct dilatation, dilated cystic duct and cystic anomaly. Two independent reviewers extracted the data; the third reviewer had been involved in case of discrepancy.

Results

The study-cohort comprised of 45 patients. Roughly, 30% and 60% of the patients were diagnosed in the first and first-two decades of life, respectively. Sex ratio was skewed in favor of females (M:F = 1:1.4). Although males presented earlier than females, females were twice as likely to be diagnosed in the first decade of life. Anomalous PBJ was found in only one-third of these patients and was more common in females. Patients with anomalous PBJ presented early with three-fourth presenting in the first two decades of life. Anomalous PBJ was twice as prevalent in patients with concomitant involvement of other parts of the biliary tract (Group II) as compared to those with isolated CC-CD (Group I). Besides, patients in Group II presented early when compared to Group I, within the group females presented earlier. No significant association of biliary malignancies with anomalous PBJ was seen; the incidence of biliary malignancies was higher in those with a normal PBJ.

Conclusions

Observations from the study-cohort fail to establish a strong association of anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction in the etiopathogenesis of CC-CD or the development of biliary malignancies in these patients. It is likely that there are additional or alternative mechanisms that are important in the context of CC-CD.

The Initial Experience of Laparoscopic Management for Type VI Choledochal Cyst in Children

Purposes: Dilatation of cystic duct is very rare and had been classified as Todani type VI choledochal cyst. Choledochal cyst combined with dilatation of cystic duct is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. The purpose of this study is to report the rare variants and discuss the significance and laparoscopic management strategy in children. Methods: The subjects for this study were 10 consecutive patients with type VI choledochal cyst who had laparoscopic procedures at our institute between January 2009 and January 2023. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, excision of the dilated cystic duct, and choledochal cyst were carried out, and the continuity of the biliary duct was re-established through a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Results: Cystic duct combined with the common bile duct dilatation was revealed in all the patients intraoperatively. Laparoscopic procedures were completed with no conversions. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. The mean follow-up duration was 27 ± 12.7 months (range 5-36 months) with no postoperative complications encountered. Conclusions: The rare entity of type VI choledochal cyst should be recognized as a distinct type of choledochal cyst and need to be given enough attention clinically. The laparoscopic procedure is a feasible option for experienced surgeons.

Incidentally exploration of the fusiform cystic duct cyst during laparoscopic cholecystectomy of septate gallbladder - Case Report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Biliary cysts are rare congenital anomalies of the biliary ductal system. Cystic duct cysts in particular are not included in the widely used Todani classification and remain underreported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old male presented with intermittent right upper quadrant pain exacerbated by fatty foods. Ultrasound showed a septate gallbladder. Laboratory tests were normal. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy identified a 1.5 cm cystic duct cyst.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Cystic duct cysts arise from anomalous ductal recanalization/dilatation. Presentation mimics cholelithiasis. Complete surgical excision is the treatment to prevent complications.

CONCLUSION

This case presents an incidental finding of a cystic duct cyst resected during cholecystectomy for septate gallbladder. Increased recognition can improve the management of these rare biliary anomalies.

A new variant of Choledochal cyst-type VI: a rare case presentation and review of the literature

A 53-year-old male patient with a previous diagnosis of dilatation of the common bile duct was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent episodes of vague epigastric pain over a 4-month period. After undergoing abdominal CT, MRI, MRCP, ERCP examinations, together with joint diagnosis by the radiology department and the gastroscopy unit, the diagnosis of a cystic dilatation of the common bile duct was excluded, and to preliminarily diagnose as cystic lesion at the hepatoduodenum ligament. A nasobiliary tube was preset before the surgery, and it was found that the gallbladder, the cyst, and the common bile duct were connected in sequence during the surgery, leading to the definitive diagnosis of biliary cyst of the cystic duct. During the surgery, the anatomical position of the common bile duct was accurately identified, avoiding iatrogenic biliary injury and preserving the integrity of the common bile duct structure. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital on the 14th postoperative day. Cystic duct cysts are a relatively new and rare condition. This case demonstrates that clinical decision-making by a multidisciplinary team is of great significance for such diseases, and preoperative assessment of the anatomical relationship between cystic dilation lesions in the hepatic portal region and the biliary system and gallbladder is also crucial.

Biliary cysts in adults: Cerrahpaşa experience

Objectives

Biliary cysts are biliary duct dilatations, with 20% of the cysts being diagnosed in adulthood. Abdominal pain, jaundice and palpable abdominal mass are defined as the classical triad. However, nausea, vomiting, fever, itching and weight loss are frequent complaints. There are several treatment options depending on the type of the cyst. This study aimed to share our experience with biliary cysts and contribute to the literature on this subject.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients, who received treatment for biliary cyst from January 1981 to December 2018 at our clinic, were studied retrospectively. The patients were analyzed based on age, sex, type of the cyst, diagnosis and treatment methods, post-op follow up and complications.

Results

Twenty-seven of the patients were females, and three were males. The patients were aged between 16 and 76 years, and the median age was 41.9 years. All patients presented with abdominal pain, which was accompanied by cholangitis in nine patients, nausea and vomiting in four patients, dyspepsia in three patients and palpable mass in one patient. According to the Todani classification, biliary cyst findings were consistent with Type I in 23 patients, Type V in three patients, Type IV in two patients, Type II in one patient and Type III in one patient.

Conclusion

Diagnosis and treatment are complex in biliary cysts due to anatomical proximity and variations. Therefore, it would be beneficial to refer them to referral centers. Choice of treatment should be based on the type of the cyst.

Cystic duct cyst in adults: a systematic review of the sixth entity

Over the past two decades, there have been an increasing number of reports describing a sixth type of choledochal cyst (cystic duct cyst) in adults that was not included in Todani's classification. This sixth entity has not yet been systematically reviewed in the literature. We therefore explored this condition in adults from the perspective of the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment through a systematic review of the evidence. The final analysis included 33 reported cases, with 55% of them reported in Asia. The mean age was 39.3 years old, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was accurate in establishing the diagnosis in 69% of cases. Where reported, standard laparoscopic/open cholecystectomy was performed in about 74% of patients, while around 25% of them needed extensive surgery. Associated malignancy was reported in 6.1% of cases, while 28% of patients had co-existent gallstone-related disease. No significant post-operative morbidity or mortality was reported. In this era of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgeons should be aware of this rare condition, with the particular understanding that it is associated with gallstone-related disease in a significant number of reported cases.

Choledochal Cyst of the Cystic Duct - A Supplement to Todani's Classification

Choledochal cyst of the cystic duct is a rare anomaly; broadly classified, the pathology may either present as a solitary anomaly or with concomitant involvement of other parts of the biliary tree. In the absence of standard guidelines for surgical planning, the definitive management is based on the experience shared in the literature in the form of case reports and case series. The available options should be discussed with the patient while explaining the possible short- and long-term complications. The authors herewith present two cases of choledochal cyst of the cystic duct along with a review of literature relevant to their etiopathogenesis and its implications for the definitive management.

Type VI Choledochal Cyst; A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background

Choledochal or common bile duct (CBD) cysts are congenital cystic dilatation of any part of the bile ducts. It has been classified into five main types by Todani et al. Isolated cystic duct cysts are not included in this classification. It is extremely rare, and there are a limited number of cases in the literature.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain experienced intermittently for the past year. His medical history and laboratory findings were normal. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the RUQ. Abdominal ultrasonography shows that a thin, tubular, cystic lesion was associated with the CBD. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), a saccular dilatation was observed in the middle part of the cystic duct. Isolated cystic duct dilatation was considered with current imaging findings. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and cyst excision were performed. Surgery findings and histopathological examination of the excised cyst confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion

Isolated dilatations of the cystic duct are extremely rare, and familiarity with this anatomic variation and its early diagnosis can prevent complications such as inflammation and malignancy and guide the surgery. The most effective noninvasive imaging method in diagnosis is MRCP. Also, we recommend that it be classified as a new type with the name type VI biliary cyst, in addition to Todani classification.

Type VI Choledochal Cysts-Case Report and Review of Literature

Choledochal cysts (CDC), are rare congenital dilations involving the extra hepatic biliary apparatus with or without dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. They are conventionally classified into five types. A new type, type VI, causing dilation of the cystic duct between the neck of the gall bladder and the common hepatic duct (CHD) has been described in medical literature which is the rarest of all these subtypes. They are commonly observed in middle aged females and are mostly symptomatic. Most of these cysts need magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for accurate diagnosis. Treatment options for these lesions are not well defined but range from simple cholecystectomy to complete excision of the entire bile duct and biliary reconstruction, as there is a concern of malignant transformation in these cysts. Hence, these rare cysts, though rare, must be borne in mind when dealing with suspicious cystic lesions in the biliary tract. Here, we present an interesting case of such a rare cyst and its management in a middle aged woman.

Choledochal cyst of the proximal cystic duct: a taxonomical and therapeutic conundrum

Isolated choledochal cysts involving the cystic duct are rare. We present a case of a choledochal cyst involving only the proximal cystic duct, and discuss the taxonomic and therapeutic challenges. There is a need for a clearly defined classification system for these cysts as they may be categorised as either type II or type VI cysts. The optimal treatment remains debatable, with some authors recommending a bilioenteric reconstruction owing to the wide cystic duct-bile duct junction. However, we suggest that a cholecystectomy should be performed with examination of the specimen and frozen section in case of any abnormality rather than upfront bile duct excision. In addition, given the rarity of this condition and the paucity of long-term data, we recommend meticulous follow-up for development of any malignancy.

Pediatric types I and VI choledochal cysts complicated with acute pancreatitis and spontaneous perforation: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Choledochal cysts are a congenital disorder of the common bile duct that can cause progressive biliary obstruction and biliary cirrhosis. They were classified by Todani into five types. Of these, type VI choledochal cysts are rarely reported in the literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 22-month-old girl presented with intermittent epigastralgia for approximately 10 days and fever for three days. Fasting and total parenteral nutrition were administered after admission. However, sudden onset of severe epigastric pain occurred. An abdominal sonogram showed turbid ascites and peritonitis was impressed.

DIAGNOSES

An emergent exploratory laparotomy was performed, and perforation of the posterior wall of types I and VI choledochal cysts was observed.

INTERVENTIONS

Intraoperative cholangiography revealed concomitant types I and VI choledochal cysts with stricture of the distal common bile duct. Definite surgery for resection of the choledochal cysts and gallbladder was performed with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy.

OUTCOMES

The patient had no evidence of ascending cholangitis at three years after the operation.

LESSONS

Type VI choledochal cysts are rarely reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pediatric case of concomitant types I and VI choledochal cysts complicated with acute pancreatitis and spontaneous perforation.

Type VI Choledochal Cyst-An Unusual Presentation of Jaundice

Choledochal cysts involving the cystic duct are extremely rare, and are usually associated with cystic dilatations of the extrahepatic biliary tract. We describe a patient who presented with jaundice and was found to have a dilatation of the common bile duct on computed tomographic imaging, consistent with a choledochal cyst. He underwent a laparoscopic-converted-to-open cholecystectomy with excision of the choledochal cyst which was found to involve the cystic duct. Choledochal cysts involving the cystic duct are notably missing from the Todani classification. Although exceedingly rare, new cases of these types of cysts are being reported, in part due to advancement of diagnostic imaging modalities. We discuss the current classification scheme for choledochal cysts and we propose an expansion of this scheme.

Dilatation of the Proximal Cystic Duct: Is It a Variant to "Type VI" Choledochal Cyst?

Choledochal cysts are rare congenital malformations, comprising of dilatation of the biliary tree of different localization. Classically, classification of choledochal cysts describes five variants of the disease. Type VI choledochal cyst is considered by many authors as the sixth variant of this classification and is described either as a dilatation of the cystic duct or as a cystic duct cyst. We present a rare case of cystic duct dilatation that presented with acute cholangiopancreatitis and a clinical picture consistent of a choledochal cyst in a 10-year-old female patient. Cholecystectomy with excision of the cystic duct was performed. Histopathologic examination did not reveal any findings consistent with choledochal cyst. Based on these findings we speculate that in our case the dilatation of the cystic duct is a variant to type VI choledochal cyst, based on the fact that no cystic-like malformation has been identified in histology. We provide details of the pre-operative work-up and compare them with intraoperative findings in order to increase awareness of the condition.

Anatomical Variations of Cystic Ducts in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography and Clinical Implications

Background. Anatomical variations of cystic duct (CD) are frequently unrecognized. It is important to be aware of these variations prior to any surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic intervention procedures. Objectives. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the imaging features of CD and its variants using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and document their prevalence in our population. Materials and Methods. This study included 198 patients who underwent MRCP due to different indications. Images were evaluated in picture archiving communication system (PACS) and variations of CD were documented. Results. Normal lateral insertion of CD at middle third of common hepatic duct was seen in 51% of cases. Medial insertion was seen in 16% of cases, of which 4% were low medial insertions. Low insertion of CD was noted in 9% of cases. Parallel course of CD was present in 7.5% of cases. High insertion was noted in 6% and short CD in 1% of cases. In 1 case, CD was draining into right hepatic duct. Congenital cystic dilation of CD was noted in one case with evidence of type IV choledochal cyst. Conclusion. Cystic duct variations are common and MRCP is an optimal imaging modality for demonstration of cystic duct anatomy.

Magnetic resonance cholangiographic evaluation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct variations

Biliary anatomy and its common and uncommon variations are of considerable clinical significance when performing living donor transplantation, radiological interventions in hepatobiliary system, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and liver resection (hepatectomy, segmentectomy). Because of increasing trend found in the number of liver transplant surgeries being performed, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has become the modality of choice for noninvasive evaluation of abnormalities of the biliary tract. The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomic variations of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree.

Another Type of Choledochal Cyst Beyond the Todani Classification

The classification of choledochal cyst has changed from 3 types described by Alonso-Lej to 5 types described by Todani, but these classifications do not include dilatation of the cystic duct. The sixth type of choledochal cyst has been described by some authors for the cystic dilatation of the cystic duct. It is so rare that accurate diagnosis is difficult before operation. We present a 15-month-old girl with a type VI choledochal cyst that was misidentified preoperatively as a type I choledochal cyst. Besides the gall bladder and the cystic duct cyst, we also excised the distal part of the common bile duct and performed reconstruction with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. From a review of the literature, we have determined that there is a more direct route to adequate diagnosis and management of the sixth type of choledochal cyst.

Cholangiocarcinoma Arising from a Type VI Biliary Cyst: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cystic dilatations of the cystic duct which are suggested as type VI biliary cysts are very rare and many of them go unrecognized or are confused with other cysts until the operation although they are obvious on imaging studies. They can present with fusiform or saccular dilatations and can be accompanied by common bile duct dilatations. It is important to identify these cysts as they share the same characteristics as the other biliary cyst types and can be complicated with malignancy. We herein present a very unusual case of a cholangiocarcinoma arising from a type VI biliary cyst in a 58-year-old female patient and review the literature. The patient presented with jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. On imaging, the cystic duct and common bile duct were fusiformly dilated and had a wide communication. There was a mass filling the distal parts of both ducts. The patient was urgently operated on after perforation following ERCP. Histopathology was compatible with a type VI biliary cyst and an associated cholangiocarcinoma.

Choledochal cyst of the cystic duct: Report of imaging findings in three cases and review of literature

The choledochal cysts, which refer to the cystic dilatation of the biliary duct, are rare lesions generally seen in children. Choledochal cyst of the cystic duct is an uncommon entity. Often, it is associated with the choledochal cyst of the rest of the biliary tree. Isolated cystic duct choledochal cyst is quite rare. Most of these lesions have been recognized only on surgery. Modern cross-sectional imaging methods have facilitated preoperative recognition and characterization of cystic duct cyst enabling formulation of appropriate management strategy. We report the imaging findings in three cases of choledochal cyst involving the cystic duct. All these cases were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. A review of cases reported in the literature and the role of imaging in guiding the management are also presented.

A new variant of choledochal cyst diagnosed on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Choledochal cysts (CDC) have been traditionally classified into five types and subtypes based on the pattern and location of involvement of intra and extra hepatic biliary tree. Herein, we describe a new variant of choledochal cyst which has not been previously described in the English-language medical literature.

Bile duct cyst in adults: interventional treatment, resection, or transplantation?

Cystic dilatations of the bile ducts may be found along the extrahepatic biliary tree, within the liver, or in both of these locations simultaneously. Presentation in adults is often associated with complications. The therapeutic possibilities have changed considerably over the last few decades. If possible, complete resection of the cyst(s) can cure the symptoms and avoid the risk of malignancy. According to the type of bile duct cyst, surgical procedures include the Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and variable types of hepatic resection. However, the diffuse forms of Todani type V cysts (Caroli disease and Caroli syndrome) in particular remain a therapeutic problem, and liver transplantation has become an important option. The mainstay of interventional treatment for Todani type III bile duct cysts is via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The diagnostic term "bile duct cyst" comprises quite different pathological and clinical entities. Interventional therapy, hepatic resection, and liver transplantation all have their place in the treatment of this heterogeneous disease group. They should not be seen as competitive treatment modalities, but as complementary options. Each patient should receive individualized treatment after all of the clinical findings have been considered by an interdisciplinary team.