BACKGROUND: Choledochal cysts (CDC) are rare congenital cystic lesions of the biliary tract. In North America the incidence of CDC is estimated as 1/150,000; it is not clear that the disease pattern in North America is similar to that in Asia. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. Statistical analysis was under taken using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Presentation, epidemiology, diagnosis, and outcome were evaluated in 51 patients with CDC. Malignant transformation was identified in 4 patients presenting uniformly with jaundice (P = .027). Type 4a cysts (54.9%) were the most common cyst identified. Four (14%) type IVa and two (13%) type I cysts developed postoperative stricture. No patient developed cholangiocarcinoma after complete resection of their cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Types I and IVa cysts can be treated similarly with excellent outcome. However, our observation of a high proportion of type 4a cysts may represent a specific North American pattern of this disease requiring a re-evaluation of the classification system.
BACKGROUND: Choledochal cysts (CDC) are rare congenital cystic lesions of the biliary tract. In North America the incidence of CDC is estimated as 1/150,000; it is not clear that the disease pattern in North America is similar to that in Asia. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. Statistical analysis was under taken using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Presentation, epidemiology, diagnosis, and outcome were evaluated in 51 patients with CDC. Malignant transformation was identified in 4 patients presenting uniformly with jaundice (P = .027). Type 4a cysts (54.9%) were the most common cyst identified. Four (14%) type IVa and two (13%) type I cysts developed postoperative stricture. No patient developed cholangiocarcinoma after complete resection of their cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Types I and IVa cysts can be treated similarly with excellent outcome. However, our observation of a high proportion of type 4a cysts may represent a specific North American pattern of this disease requiring a re-evaluation of the classification system.
Authors: Hae Kyung Lee; Seong Jin Park; Bum Ha Yi; A Leum Lee; Jong Ho Moon; Yun Woo Chang Journal: Korean J Radiol Date: 2009 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 3.500