Intrahepatic biliary duct branching patterns, cystic duct anomalies, and pancreas divisum in a tertiary referral center: A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticographic study

Classification of anatomical morphology of cystic duct and its association with gallstone

BACKGROUND

Gallstones are common lesions that often require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstones. Preoperatively, the anatomical morphology of the cystic duct (CD), needs to be accurately recognized, especially when anatomical variations occur in the CD, which is otherwise prone to bile duct injury. However, at present, there is no optimal classification system for CD morphology applicable in clinical practice, and the relationship between anatomical variations in CDs and gallstones remains to be explored.

AIM

To create a more comprehensive clinically applicable classification of the morphology of CD and to explore the correlations between anatomic variants of CD and gallstones.

METHODS

A total of 300 patients were retrospectively enrolled from October 2021 to January 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: The gallstone group and the nongallstone group. Relevant clinical data and anatomical data of the CD based on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) were collected and analyzed to propose a morphological classification system of the CD and to explore its relationship with gallstones. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analyses to identify the independent risk factors using variables that were significant in the univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 300 patients enrolled in this study, 200 (66.7%) had gallstones. The mean age was 48.10 ± 13.30 years, 142 (47.3%) were male, and 158 (52.7%) were female. A total of 55.7% of the patients had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2. Based on the MRCP, the CD anatomical typology is divided into four types: Type I: Linear, type II: n-shaped, type III: S-shaped, and type IV: W-shaped. Univariate analysis revealed differences between the gallstone and nongallstone groups in relation to sex, BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, morphology of CD, site of CD insertion into the extrahepatic bile duct, length of CD, and angle between the common hepatic duct and CD. According to the multivariate analysis, female, BMI (≥ 24 kg/m2), and CD morphology [n-shaped: Odds ratio (OR) = 10.97, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 5.22-23.07, P < 0.001; S-shaped: OR = 4.43, 95%CI: 1.64-11.95, P = 0.003; W-shaped: OR = 7.74, 95%CI: 1.88-31.78, P = 0.005] were significantly associated with gallstones.

CONCLUSION

The present study details the morphological variation in the CD and confirms that CD tortuosity is an independent risk factor for gallstones.

Post cholecystectomy benign biliary stricture-isolated hepatic duct stricture: a proposed modification of the BISMUTH classification

BACKGROUND

Post-cholecystectomy, benign biliary strictures are challenging for both patients and surgeons. Bismuth classified benign biliary strictures into 5 types. This study aimed to review these isolated hepatic duct strictures which were not included in Bismuth classification.

METHODS

The case records of all patients who presented with post-cholecystectomy benign biliary strictures between January 2005 and December 2020 at our centre were reviewed. Data regarding demography, type of stricture, and treatment strategy were entered into the standard proforma.

RESULTS

There were 242 patients [type I-3.7%, type II-41.7%, type III-38.0%, type IV-6.6%, and type V-7.8%]. Five (2.1%) patients did not fit the Bismuth classification and were the focus of this study. In each of these patients, an isolated hepatic duct stricture (first-or second-order hepatic duct) was present, with no involvement of the common hepatic duct or hilar confluence.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of isolated hepatic duct stricture [type VI] to the Bismuth classification will enhance the original classification, help in reporting and management of this sub-set of patients.

Atypical Pattern of the Intrahepatic Biliary Duct on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction

The liver possesses different patterns of intrahepatic duct confluences. Even though the typical pattern of the intrahepatic biliary duct is common, atypical variations are also frequently witnessed. The knowledge of the atypical intrahepatic biliary confluences is inevitable during hepato-biliary surgery to reduce post-operative complications. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of the atypical pattern of intrahepatic biliary duct pattern on magnetic resonanace cholangiopancreatography in a tertiary care centre.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care centre after receiveing ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: KUSMS/IRC (248/2021)]. The branching patterns of the atypical intrahepatic biliary pattern were observed in Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images and were classified. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.

Results

Among 199 magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images, the atypical intrahepatic biliary duct was observed in 48 (24.12%) (18.18-30.06, 95% Confidence Interval) of the images.

Conclusions

The prevalence of the atypical intrahepatic biliary duct pattern is lower as compared to other studies done in similar settings.

Keywords

bile ducts; liver; magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

Surgical outcome of Mirizzi syndrome: Value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic procedures

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with associated procedures and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been the standard treatments for both common and rare biliary diseases. Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a rare and complex biliary condition. We report our experience with MS treatment and investigate the value of laparoscopic procedures and ERCP in patient management.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2017, 100 consecutive patients with MS were diagnosed by ERCP and underwent surgery in a referral center. Sixty patients were treated with intended LC, and 40 patients were treated with open cholecystectomy (OC). The clinical manifestations, ERCP and associated procedures, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

The surgical mortality rate was 1%, while the surgical morbidity rate was 15%. The patients treated with intended LC suffered from less morbidity (5%). The percentage of postoperative residual biliary stones was 32% (n = 32), and only three patients underwent re-operation (laparotomy) for stone removal. The laparotomy conversion rate in the intended LC group was 16.7% (10/60). The length of hospitalization for the patients with successful LC was significantly shorter than that for the patients with conversion and intended OC. Csendes classification was a risk factor for conversion from LC to OC (type I vs types II to V, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of a laparoscopic procedure and ERCP may provide therapeutic benefits for patients with MS.

Clinical outcome of endoscopic therapy in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum: a Dutch cohort study

Background and study aims  Although the majority of patients with pancreas divisum (PDiv) are asymptomatic, a subgroup present with recurrent pancreatitis or pain for which endoscopic therapy may be indicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate success rates and long-term outcomes of endoscopic treatment in patients with symptomatic PDiv. Patients and methods  A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients with symptomatic PDiv presenting with recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), or chronic abdominal pancreatic-type pain (CAP) who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between January 2000 and December 2019 were included. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as either no recurrent episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) for RAP patients, no flares for CP patients, or absence of abdominal pain for patients with CAP after technically successful ERCP. Results  In 60 of 81 patients (74.1 %) a technically successful papilla minor intervention was performed. Adverse events were reported in 30 patients (37 %), with post-ERCP pancreatitis in 18 patients. The clinical success rate for patients with at least 3 months of follow-up was 42.6 %, with higher rates of success among patients presenting with RAP (44.4 %) as compared to those with CP (33.3 %) or CAP (33.3 %). Long-term sustained response was present in 40.9 % of patients with a technically successful intervention. In patients with RAP who did not completely respond to treatment, the mean number of AP episodes after treatment decreased significantly from 3.5 to 1.1 per year, and subsequently the interval between AP episodes increased from 278 to 690 days ( P  = 0.0006). A potential predictive factor of failure of clinical success after technically successful ERCP, at univariate analysis, was male sex (OR = 0.25, P  = 0.02). Conclusions  Endoscopic therapy in patients with symptomatic PDiv is moderately effective, with its highest yield in patients presenting with RAP. Future studies are needed to assess factors predictive for success of endoscopic therapy and potential risk factors for relapse after ERCP.

A New Quantitative Classification of the Extrahepatic Biliary Tract Related to Cystic Duct Implantation

BACKGROUND

Knowledge regarding biliary anatomy and its variations, including the cystic duct (CD), is important in the pre-surgical setting and for predicting biliary diseases. However, no large series has focused on CD evaluation using a quantitative analysis. The primary aim of this prospective study was to create a 'taxonomic' classification of CD anatomy in a large cohort of subjects who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The secondary aim was to evaluate the correlations between extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) variants and biliary diseases.

METHODS

We enrolled patients who underwent MRCP for different clinical indications from January 2017 to May 2019. Demographical, anatomical and clinical data were evaluated using statistical analyses, as appropriate. The anatomical assessment of EHBD was performed using the standard classification for CD in low, medium, and high insertions, and the lengths of CD to the duodenal papilla (DP), and EHBD was determined to conduct a new quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

The final study population comprised 1004 subjects. A new classification for EHBD as per the percentile distribution of the ratio CDDP/EHBD was designed, and the following categories were obtained: type 1 (below the 25th percentile) for CDDP/EHBD ratio ≤ 50%; type 2 (25th to 75th percentile) for CDDP/EHBD ratio 51-75% and type 3 (above the 75th percentiles) for CDDP/EHBD ratio > 75%. Type 1 of the new classification of CD implantation was significantly superior in terms of the detection of low, medial and intra-pancreatic CD that was significantly correlated with a high risk of choledochal lithiasis in comparison with the standard classification (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The new classification of CD implantation enables identification of the vast majority of intra-pancreatic CDs that are correlated with a high risk of choledochal lithiasis in a single category (type 1) that is easy to identify using imaging.

Biliary anatomy and pancreatic duct variations: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Biliary tree and pancreatic duct can appear in different variations whose proper understanding is obligatory for surgeons. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is considered a safe and accurate tool for evaluating biliary tree and pancreatic duct. Typical anatomy for right hepatic duct (RHD) and left hepatic duct (LHD) is reported as 57% and 63%, respectively. The most common (4-10%) pancreatic anomaly is divisum. In the present study, we evaluated and determined the prevalence of biliary tree and pancreatic duct variations among patients at a university hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MRCP records of 370 patients from 2015 to 2017 were obtained for cross-sectional study. Images were retrospectively reviewed for variations by two independent senior radiologists. Demographic data were obtained for all the patients. Huang et al. classification was used for RHD and LHD variations. The cystic duct was reported based on its course and insertion pattern. The pancreatic duct was observed for the presence of divisum, its course, and configuration.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included in the final study. Most commonly observed variant for RHD were A1 (34.2%) and A2 (32.2%). For LHD, B1 (71.4%) was the most common variant. Cystic duct insertion was commonly seen as right lateral insertion (27.7%). Pancreatic divisum was observed in 0.6% of cases. Nationality, origin, and gender-specific variations were obtained.

CONCLUSION

Variations in biliary anatomy and pancreatic duct are very diverse and extend from the intrahepatic biliary system down to the pancreas. Performing a similar study on a larger population is mandatory to illustrate the range of variations present within the community.

Variations in the vascular and biliary structures of the liver: a comprehensive anatomical study

PURPOSE

Vascular structures of the liver and the bile ducts are crucial during liver transplantation or liver resection surgery. Here, we report on variations in the vascular structures and bile ducts of 200 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatographic and multiple-detector computed tomographic data.

RESULTS

Michels type 1 was detected in 54% of the patients. The other most common variations were, respectively, Michels type 5 (13%) and type 2 (11%). Unclassified variations were defined as Michels type 11; 5% of patients were in this group. Type 1 variations in the hepatic portal vein were detected in 76% of our study group. Other common variations were type 2 (9%) and type 3 (8.5%). The left and intermediate hepatic veins united to become a single vein and then joined the inferior vena cava in 64% of the patients. The right, intermediate, and left hepatic veins joined the inferior vena cava separately in 36% of the patients. Type A, which represents the classic anatomy of the bile duct, was observed in 51.5% of our patients. Type C1 and type B were detected in 15% and 12% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe vascular and biliary variations in the livers of our patients.

Pancreas divisum: a reemerging risk factor for pancreatic diseases

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common developmental anatomic variant of pancreatic duct. The attention towards the PD has grown significantly since there are reports that this condition may cause acute relapsing pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis and chronic abdominal pain syndrome. Furthermore, over the years, there have been multiple reports of PD associated with different types of tumors. There is evidence that PD can be associated with pancreatic tumors (up to 12.5% of cases). The golden standard for diagnosing PD is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, but since it is an invasive procedure magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with secretin is a good alternative. In case the patient is symptomatic, endoscopic or surgical treatment should be performed. This review describes the key points of the pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, risks of pancreatitis and tumors, as well as treatment options of PD.

High insertion of cystic duct at the gallbladder fundus: An undescribed anomaly!

The anatomy of the biliary tree is complex, and its variations of both intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts can be found in approximately 30% of the general population. These variations are not picked up on routine pre-operative investigations of patients planned for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and often present as an unusual ‘surprise’ and a challenge that can make dissection in the Calot's triangle difficult leading to iatrogenic injury. We present a case of a 53-year-old female with an undescribed anomaly encountered during an LC. There was a high insertion of the cystic duct into the fundus of the gallbladder. No such anomaly has been described in literature till date.