Incomplete pancreas divisum with anomalous choledochopancreatic duct junction with choledochal cyst

A case series of choledochal cyst with pancreatic divisum: A rare association

Choledochal cysts (CC) are congenital cystic dilations of the biliary tree usually associated with abnormal pancreaticobiliary ductal junction (APBDJ), but its association with pancreatic divisum has been rarely described. We encountered four cases of CC associated with pancreatic divisum (PD). Three had Type 3 PD and one had Type 1 PD. Two cases presented with pancreatic complications, with one case requiring preoperative minor papilla sphincterotomy for recurrent pancreatitis. The association of CC with PD is infrequent, and the variable presentation alters management strategy. PD may be one of the factors responsible for complications associated with CC.

Type 1 Choledochal Cyst with Ectopic Pancreas and Septate Gallbladder

Background Choledochal cysts (CCs), congenital cystic dilatation of the biliary tract, are more commonly identified in females and have been associated with a myriad of other developmental abnormalities. Case Report: We present a male infant who was diagnosed with type I CC prenatally. He subsequently underwent cyst and gallbladder resection with hepaticoduodenostomy reconstruction at the age of 6 months. Pathologic examination confirmed type I CC with co-existing septate gallbladder and ectopic pancreas (Heinrich type 1). Conclusions: Although the clinical significance is unclear, this second case of CC with septate gallbladder and ectopic pancreas highlights the embryologic association of these abnormalities.

Choledochoceles: are they choledochal cysts?

The classification of choledochoceles as a type of choledochal cyst stems from the 1959 article by Alonso-Lej and colleagues describing 94 choledochal cysts, only 4 of which were choledochoceles. Even then, Alonso-Lej questioned the propriety of including the choledochocele, stating it was unclear "as to whether or not it originates from the same etiologic factors [as other choledochal cysts]". In 1971, Trout and Longmire also questioned the validity of classifying choledochoceles as choledochal cysts, noting the anatomic position article and variant mucosa of the choledochocele. Wearn and Wiot, in an article titled "Choledochocele: not a form of choledochal cyst", cite the differences in clinical presentation, demographics, and histology as reasons why choledochoceles represent separate entities from choledochal cysts. Over the ensuing decades, numerous investigators have questioned the legitimacy of classifying choledochoceles as choledochal cysts. In our recent series (the only one to our knowledge directly comparing patients with choledochocele and other [type I, II, IV, and V] choledochal cysts), patients with choledochoceles differed from patients with choledochal cysts in their age, gender, presenting symptoms, history of previous cholecystectomy, pancreatobiliary ductal anatomy, management, and most importantly, propensity to developing biliary malignancy. Based on the available cases of choledochoceles found in the literature, combined with the recent series from our institution, we conclude that choledochoceles seem to be distinct entities from choledochal cysts.

Diagnostic impact of computed tomography cholangiography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography on pancreaticobiliary maljunction

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of computed tomography cholangiography (CTC) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in children with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).

METHODS

Fifty-three children with PBM were consecutively treated between 1997 and 2009. Among them, the patients who underwent CTC and/or MRCP preoperatively were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography cholangiography was examined after infusion of meglumine iodoxamate with subsequent 3-dimensional rendering. The visualization of the biliary and pancreatic duct systems was evaluated and compared with that visualized with MRCP. The findings of direct cholangiography were used as the standard of reference.

RESULTS

Of the 53 cases with PBM, 17 cases were examined by CTC, 10 cases by MRCP, and 17 with both. The extrahepatic bile tract was visualized in 32 (94.1%) of 34 patients in CTC and in all 27 patients in MRCP. The intrahepatic bile duct was more frequently demonstrated by MRCP than by CTC (96.3% vs 70.6%, P = .02). Pancreaticobiliary maljunction was noted in 13 (38.2%) of 34 with CTC and in 12 (44.4%) of 27 with MRCP. The minimum age for visualization of PBM was at 10 months in CTC and at 1 year and 11 months in MRCP, respectively. The main pancreatic duct was more frequently visualized by MRCP than by CTC (81.5% vs 8.8%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provides superior visualization of the intrahepatic duct and the pancreatic system when compared with CTC. However, it is still challenging to perform a good-quality examination in young infant. The great advantage of CTC is its ability to produce high-quality images without respiratory artifacts and that it allows accurate assessment of the presence of PBM equivalent to MRCP.

Periampullary choledochal diverticula are not choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts (CC) are rare, congenital anomalies of the biliary tree, associated with the development of biliary malignancies. Small periampullary choledochal diverticula (PCD) are a previously unreported type of biliary anomaly found primarily at ERCP.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess whether PCD are congenital or acquired lesions by comparing the clinical presentation, management, and risk of malignancy between patients with PCD and CC.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a medical center database.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Over the study period, data regarding 16 patients with PCD were identified and compared with that of 118 patients with CC.

INTERVENTION

Retrospective review of ERCP, surgical pathology, billings, and a diagnostic imaging database from our institution from 1985 to 2009 was done.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinical presentation, investigations, management strategies, complication rates, and long-term outcomes were compared in patients with classic CC and PCD over the same time period.

RESULTS

Patients with PCD were less likely to be female (50% vs 81%), older aged (mean 68 vs 28 years), to complain of abdominal pain (88% vs 68%), and were less likely to present with jaundice (0% vs 32%) (P<.05 for all pairs). Patients with PCD also were noted to have lower frequency of anomalous pancreatobiliary junction (0% vs 83%) and biliary neoplasia (0% vs 5%) and more likely to have sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (63% vs 1%). Management of PCD was done with ERCP in 87% of cases and with surgery in 0% of cases, whereas management of CC was done with ERCP in 20% of cases and surgery in 80% of cases (P<.001). Long-term complications at a mean follow-up of 3.7 years after therapy were more common in CC (40% vs 6%, P=.02).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study. Lack of structured follow up.

CONCLUSION

Small, periampullary, choledochal diverticula are a newly reported, likely acquired anomaly of the biliary tract that are frequently associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and may be secondary to biliary hypertension. These acquired lesions should not be classified as CC.

Choledochoceles: are they choledochal cysts? Ann Surg. 2010;252:683-690. [PMID: 20881775 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e3181f6931f]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this analysis was to report a multidisciplinary series comparing choledochoceles to Todani Types I, II, IV, and V choledochal cysts.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Choledochoceles have been classified as Todani Type III choledochal cysts. However, most surgical series of choledochal cysts have reported few choledochoceles because they are managed primarily by endoscopists.

METHODS

Surgical, endoscopic, and radiologic records were reviewed at the Riley Children's Hospital and the Indiana University Hospitals to identify patients with choledochal cysts. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, radiologic studies, associated abnormalities, surgical and endoscopic procedures as well as outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 146 patients with "choledochal cysts" including 45 children (31%) and 28 with choledochoceles (18%) were identified, which represents the largest Western series. Patients with choledochoceles were older (50.7 vs. 29.0 years, P < 0.05) and more likely to be male (43% vs. 19%, P < 0.05), to present with pancreatitis (48% vs. 24%, P < 0.05) rather than jaundice (11% vs. 30%, P < 0.05) or cholangitis (0% vs. 21%, P < 0.05), to have pancreas divisum (38% vs. 10%, P < 0.01), and to be managed with endoscopic therapy (79% vs. 17%, P < 0.01). Two patients with choledochoceles (7%) had pancreatic neoplasms.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with choledochoceles differ from patients with choledochal cysts with respect to age, gender, presentation, pancreatic ductal anatomy, and their management. The association between choledochoceles and pancreas divisum is a new observation. Therefore, we conclude that classifications of choledochal cysts should not include choledochoceles.

Pancreas divisum in pancreaticobiliary maljunction in children

PURPOSE

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is defined as a congenital anomaly in which the main pancreatic and common bile ducts are joined outside the duodenal wall and forms the long common channel. Although PBM and pancreas divisum are congenital anomalies causing pancreatitides, distinct data about the incidence of pancreas divisum in pediatric PBM has not been reported to date. The present study was designed to reveal the incidence and clinical features of pancreas divisum in cases of PBM.

METHODS

The configurations of pancreatic ducts of 78 pediatric cases of PBM were assessed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or intraoperative cholangiopancreatography. Additional cannulation of the minor papilla was performed when the entire length of the main pancreatic duct was not detected with cannulation of the major papilla alone.

RESULTS

Clear pancreatography was obtained in 71 cases out of 78 cases of PBM. Abnormal fusion of the pancreatic duct was detected in 1 case (1.4%) with complete pancreas divisum. This case was asymptomatic preoperatively and for 10 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Pancreas divisum exists in 1.4% of PBM. Although pancreas divisum is one of the pathogenesis of pancreatitis in PBM, is rarely associated with PBM and not always causes pancreatitis.

A rare case of choledochocele associated with pancreas divisum

Choledochocele, type III choledochal cyst, is a rare abnormality. We report a rare case of choledochocele involving a 15-year-old girl who presented with intermittent episodes of upper abdominal pain. She underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which revealed no abnormalities of biliary and pancreatic ducts. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) initially suggested a diagnosis of pancreas divisum (PD), and so we failed to diagnose choledochocele at that time. Her condition improved and she was discharged, but she presented again with recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain. Then, spiral computed tomography with intravenous infusion cholangiography (IVC-SCT) facilitated a diagnosis of choledochocele. The coexistence of choledochocele and pancreas divisum is extremely rare, and it is difficult to diagnose. However, this case suggests that the absence of pancreatitis does not rule out choledochal cysts, and modern imaging techniques, such as IVC-SCT, must be applied in difficult cases.

Symptoms and surgical management of a distal choledochal cyst in a patient with pancreas divisum: case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with the rare finding of a distal choledochocele in a pancreas divisum with recurrent abdominal pain and episodes of pancreatitis. She underwent successful resection with choledochectomy, papillectomy and reconstruction with a hepatico-jejunostomy and reinsertion of the uncinate pancreatic duct into the same jejunal loop. Comparable literature findings are discussed with regard to the presented case.

Recurrent pancreatitis in a patient with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder characterized by multiple cysts in kidneys and other organs. A 63-year-old man was evaluated for the etiology of recurrent pancreatitis and chronic renal failure. Multiple cysts of kidneys, liver, and pancreas and pancreas divisum was diagnosed. Pancreatitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in patients with ADPKD. Pancreas divisum may be a predisposing factor for acute pancreatitis in these patients.

Bile duct cysts in adults

BACKGROUND

Bile duct cysts are rare and of uncertain origin. Most have been reported in young females of Asian descent, but an increasing number have occurred in Western adults.

METHODS

A Medline literature search was performed to locate articles on the pathophysiological concepts, clinical behaviour and management controversies pertaining to bile duct cysts in adults. Emphasis was placed on reports from the past two decades.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

An increasing rate of occurrence of bile duct cyst is reported in adults. Type IV cysts are more frequent in adults than children. Presentation tends to be non-specific abdominal discomfort. Related hepatobiliary or pancreatic disease frequently precedes recognition, and may complicate the postoperative course. Surgical treatment aims to relieve complications deriving from the cysts and to reduce the significant risk of malignant change within the biliary tree. Complete cyst resection, cholecystectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction is standard. Controversy exists about the role of hepatic resection in type IV and V cysts, and the role of minimally invasive and laparoscopic treatment. In general, the outcome is good and a near-zero mortality rate has been reported in institutional series over the past decade.