Association between gallbladder agenesis and choledochal cyst: cause or coincidence?

Abstract

This case report describes an extremely rare association between gallbladder agenesis and choledochal cyst (CC). A 9-year-old girl presented with recurrent abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Radiological studies revealed a CC type IVa and an agenesis of gallbladder and cystic duct. Due to the possibility of biliary neoplasm, the patient underwent cyst resection and hepaticoduodenostomy. Histopathological findings showed inflamed fibrous tissue covered by biliary epithelium with no evidence of malignancy.

Missing image: Recurrent biliary colic in a 13‐year‐old boy

“…However, we highlight the need for long‐term follow‐up due to the possibility of bile duct dilatation, increased biliary stasis and associated complications (e.g. lithiasis, cholangitis and biliary carcinoma) 3 …”

“…However, up to 50% may present with biliary colic 1,2 . Although its pathogenesis is unclear, it is advocated that functional sphincter dysfunction and dilatation of the common bile duct to store bile may play a role 3 . Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary manometry or therapeutic procedures can be considered, mainly in the presence of persistent symptoms 1,4,5 .…”