Isolated dilatation of the cystic duct-Type VI choledochal cyst: a rare case presentation and review of the literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Choledochal cysts are usually defined as congenital cystic dilatations of any portion of the biliary tract. They have been reported to have an incidence of 1:100 000 to 1:150 000 live births [1]. Based on their morphology and location, choledochal cysts have been classified into five major types according to Todani's classification [2]. Isolated cystic dilatations of the cystic duct are extremely rare with as few as only 20 cases reported in the world literature. The earliest description of this entity dates to 1991, with Serena Serradel et al. describing the first-ever reported case of isolated cystic duct dilatation (Type VI choledochal cyst) [3]. Here, we describe an isolated cystic duct dilatation in a young male diagnosed preoperatively and the approach to manage this rare clinical entity.

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old male with no known comorbidities presented with complaints of vague pain in his epigastrium with frequent bouts of bilious vomiting for 10 days. Clinical evaluation revealed no abnormality except for vague tenderness to deep palpation in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium. The routine laboratory tests were unremarkable. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a hypoechoic lesion around 30 × 20 mm in the region of the porta hepatis with a contracted gall bladder (GB) and no intra-hepatic biliary radicle dilatation (IHBRD). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed a saccular mass in relation to the cystic duct close to its insertion into the common hepatic duct (CHD), with no IHBRD (Fig. 1). The right and left biliary systems were normal with no abnormality detected in the pancreatobiliary junction. A provisional diagnosis of Type II choledochal cyst/double GB/Type VI choledochal cyst was made.

Figure 1:

MRCP showing the cystic dilatation along the lateral wall of the bile duct mimicking a Type II choledochal cyst with GB seen separately.

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We planned to do a diagnostic laparoscopy with cholecystectomy +/− common bile duct (CBD) excision with hepaticojejunostomy. Laparoscopy was performed using the conventional four-port technique. The dissection commenced by removing adhesions between the cystic structure and the surrounding omentum and duodenal loop (Fig. 2). The cyst was dissected free from the surrounding structures and the insertion of cystic duct into the CHD was delineated (Fig. 3). There was no communication between the cyst and the CBD. Therefore, a decision to do a cholecystectomy alone was made. The GB was contracted. It was dissected and removed en masse with the cystic mass. The post-operative course was uneventful and he was discharged in stable condition on Day 3 after surgery.

Figure 2:

Laparoscopic view showing Calot's triangle dissected with choledochal cyst seen separately from the rest of the GB.

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Figure 3:

Cyst seen along with the cystic duct stalk and the arterial twig supplying the cystic duct.

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The gross specimen revealed a contracted GB with an isolated mass attached to the anterolateral wall of the cystic duct. The specimen measured 6.5 cm in length, out of which GB was 3.5 cm in length and 3 cm in diameter (Fig. 4). Instilling saline into the GB caused the cystic mass to fill up suggesting a communication with the GB lumen. Microscopy showed papillary hyperplasia of the mucosa with features of chronic inflammation in the wall of the GB.

Figure 4:

Gross specimen showing the GB along with the cyst arising from the cystic duct (specimen filled with saline showing communication between the cyst and GB).

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DISCUSSION

Isolated cystic duct dilatation without involving the rest of the biliary tree was not described by the Todani classification. Search into the literature revealed about 20 cases being reported from the world literature so far (Table 1).

Analysis of the world literature reveals a slight female preponderance affecting 18–55 years age group [7]. In most of the reported cases of Type VI choledochal cyst, the diagnosis was made intraoperatively. The most common preoperative diagnosis made in most of the reported cases was Type II choledochal cyst [3–5]. This was owing to the diverticular appearance of the cyst in most of the cases with proximity to the CBD.

There may be different morphologies of Type VI choledochal cyst. It may be a fusiform or saccular dilatation limited to the cystic duct alone or also involving the CBD in its distal portion or at the site of insertion of the cystic duct. The most commonly accepted theory of pathogenesis is the abnormal pancreatobiliary ductal junction (APBDJ) [11]. An APBDJ is observed in up to 40% of the cases of choledochal cysts. Singham et al. proposed a mechanism of wide opening of cystic duct with an acute angled insertion into the CBD and associated APBDJ to explain the pathogenesis of Type VI choledochal cyst [1]. However, no definitive theory has been proved yet.

The clinical presentation of Type VI choledochal cysts is like the other variants of choledochal cysts. Most cases are asymptomatic or may present with non-specific upper abdominal pain and associated jaundice or vomiting [1]. Loke et al. had described a Type VI choledochal cyst attached to a wide-based cystic duct with intraluminal calculi causing CBD compression, presenting with features of cholangitis [5]. The patient in the present case had bilious vomiting, which could be explained by compression of the duodenum by the cystic mass causing features of small bowel obstruction. Development of malignancy in the cyst is a rare presentation. To our knowledge, only four cases have been reported so far describing cholangiocarcinoma arising from Type VI choledochal cyst [12]. The carcinoma may be confined to the cyst alone or may involve the GB, CBD and intrapancreatic portion of the bile duct as well. A differential diagnosis of Mirizzi's syndrome needs to be kept in such presentations.

Preoperative diagnosis of Type VI choledochal cyst is challenging. Ultrasound abdomen is a good screening investigation in these patients. The cyst appears hypoechoic and well demarcated. MRCP or multi-detector computed tomography can also suggest the diagnosis preoperatively. The most common diagnostic confusion on preoperative MRCP is with a Type II choledochal cyst due to its similar morphology. The definitive anatomy may be delineated by ERCP. This is seldom performed due to its invasive nature. However, in patients presenting with jaundice and features of biliary obstruction or suspicious malignancy, ERCP is a definitive investigation to aid in diagnosis. Tc99m HIDA scan can be helpful in defining the biliary origin of the cyst. In cysts with wide-based stalk and proximity to the CBD, intraoperative cholangiogram is a useful adjunct on table to define the biliary anatomy [8–10].

The management of Type VI choledochal cyst is guided by its morphology [1–7]. The surgery recommended for Type VI choledochal cyst with a narrow-based cystic duct stalk is simple cholecystectomy with cyst excision. Wide-based cystic duct with proximity to the CBD warrants a CBD excision along with the above procedure and bilio-enteric reconstruction. Most of the authors reported in the literature have described the surgery by open or laparoscopic converted to open route. We did a complete laparoscopic mobilisation and cyst excision with cholecystectomy in the present case. Detailed assessment of the histology is important to detect any neoplastic changes. In patients undergoing CBD excision as a part of the procedure, evaluation of the margins for neoplasia is important. Proved malignancy of the cyst with CBD or GB warrants a definitive procedure in the form of Whipple's operation or radical cholecystectomy, respectively.

To summarize, choledochal cysts involving the cystic duct alone are extremely rare and knowledge of this anatomical variant is important for every hepatobiliary surgeon. Preoperative diagnosis may be challenging and requires a detailed radiological evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion between the surgeon, radiologist and the gastroenterologist. The surgical management of such cases is mostly guided by the morphology of the cyst and ranges from simple cholecystectomy to biliary resection procedures.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Department of MRI, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

Department of Histopathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

Funding

None.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

None declared.

REFERENCES