Klatskin-Mimicking Lesions

Abstract

Altemeier-Klatskin tumor is a perihilar cholangiocarcinoma that occurs within 2 cm of the confluence of the right and left hepatic duct at the hepatic hilum and accounts for 50–70% of all cholangiocarcinomas cases. Although imaging techniques have come very far today, this entity can still be very challenging to diagnose as there are many lesions that can mimic Klatskin tumor. In this review, we will present the most common Klatskin-mimicking lesions.

An unusual cause of obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain, and weight loss

“…Lymphomas represent only 1-2% of biliary obstruction, presenting mainly as secondary manifestation of a systemic disease [1]. Hepatic lymphomas are classified as primary or secondary types.…”

“…However, brushings were negative for malignant cells. Lesions mimicking cholangiocarcinoma include Mirizzi sydrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliopathy related to portal hypertension, heterotopic tissue, ischemic cholangiopathy, inflammatory-infiltrative lesions such as IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis, infections (tuberculosis, AIDS), benign tumors and malignant tumors, such as extrahepatic biliary adenomas, neurofibromas, and schwannomas; or, papillary neoplasms of the bile duct, lymphomas, and neuroendocrine malignancies, respectively [1].…”

Follicular cholangitis: a rare cause of benign biliary stricture

“…The differential diagnosis of focal biliary strictures comprises both malignant and benign conditions [1] . Although the majority of cases are attributed to cholangiocarcinoma, about 16% of strictures turn out to be benign after surgical resection [1] .…”

“…The differential diagnosis of focal biliary strictures comprises both malignant and benign conditions [1] . Although the majority of cases are attributed to cholangiocarcinoma, about 16% of strictures turn out to be benign after surgical resection [1] . Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis, other inflammatory and infectious cholangiopathies, ischemic or iatrogenic strictures are some of the conditions mimicking cholangiocarcinoma, making a preoperative diagnosis challenging [1] .…”

“…Although the majority of cases are attributed to cholangiocarcinoma, about 16% of strictures turn out to be benign after surgical resection [1] . Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis, other inflammatory and infectious cholangiopathies, ischemic or iatrogenic strictures are some of the conditions mimicking cholangiocarcinoma, making a preoperative diagnosis challenging [1] . Follicular cholangitis is a rare benign entity with similar clinical and radiological presentation to cholangiocarcinoma [2] .…”