Liver CT Appearances
Choledochal Cyst CT Findings
Choledochal cysts are usually diagnosed with ultrasound and further evaluated, if needed, by CT or MR- Type IA: Cystic dilatation of extrahepatic bile duct
- Type IB: Saccular dilatation of the extrahepatic duct
- Type IC: Fusiform dilatation of the extrahepatic duct
- Type II: Diverticulum of the extrahepatic bile duct
- Type III: Cystic dilatation of the distal extrahepatic bile duct (choledochocele)
- Type IVA: Dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct and extrahepatic duct
- Type IVB: Multiple cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct
- Type V: Multiple dilatations of the intrahepatic bile duct and extrahepatic bile duct (Caroli’s disease)
Other Information About Choledochal Cysts
Etiology:
- Congenital
Epidemiology:
- Typically presents in pediatric patients
- More common in females
- More common in Asia and people of Asian descent
Presentation:
- Palpable mass
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Prognosis:
- Choledochal cysts can be premalignant so resection is recommended
- The 5-year survival rate is over 95% with most malignancies and complications occurring in adults