An adult choledochal cyst—the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings: Report of a case

Abstract

We herein report an unusual adult patient with a congenital choledochal cyst. A 28-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Abdominal ultrasonography showed fusiform dilatation of the common bile duct without any obstruction. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) were performed to make a precise diagnosis. No abnormal pancreatobiliary junction was detected on ERCP. The MRCP images more clearly defined the type and extent of the choledochal cyst as observed at surgery. The cyst and gallbladder were excised and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. We also reviewed the relevant English literature and concluded that MRCP offers diagnostic information that is equivalent or superior to that of ERCP for the evaluation of type I choledochal cysts in adults and because this modality is noninvasive, it should therefore be the preferred imaging technique for an examination of adult patients with choledochal cysts.

Choledochal Cyst in a Female Adult Asymptomatic Patient: Review of the Literature

“…Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) is the gold standard test for a careful study of the CDBD and to obtain precise information about the whole biliary tree anatomy [9]. It is not invasive and it allows the surgeon to choose and plan the appropriate surgical therapy [10].…”

A Rare Anomaly of Biliary System: MRCP Evidence of a Cystic Duct Cyst

“…Still, MCRP is applied to evaluate the dimensions and location of the cyst or any concurrent pathologies before the surgery [6]. Although the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is accepted as the gold standard in the diagnosis, it is not performed as the first step due to its invasive character [11]. Also, because it may increase the risk of complications in this patient group, where pancreatitis is observed among the complications, MRCP—a method with comparable diagnostic success—should be preferred to ERCP.…”

Adult Choledochal Cyst: Intra-operative Surprise. Case Report and Literature Review

“…MR cholangiography can be used to confirm the diagnosis of choledochal cysts and define the extent of involvement preoperatively (18). MRCP offers diagnostic information that is equivalent or superior to that of ERCP for the evaluation of type I choledochal cysts in adults and because this modality is non-invasive, it should be the preferred imaging technique for examination of adult patients with choledochal cysts (19).…”