Choledochal cyst in adults. A clinical and radiological study in ten cases

Abstract

Choledochal cysts are being recognized with an increasing frequency among the adult population. In this series a correct preoperative diagnosis was established in eight of the ten patients. The clinical tirad of obstructive jaundice, right upper abdominal pain, and a palpable flactuant mass was noted in only two cases but at least one of these symptoms was present in all patients. Acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and biliary calculi were the commonly associated findings. New etiologic and clinical concepts of choledochal cysts are reviewed and the spectrum of radiographic features in adults is presented.