A Giant Choledochal Cyst Mimicking Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Oct 1;14(10):e29806. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29806. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Abstract

A choledochal cyst (CC) is a rare congenital anomaly manifested as cystic dilatation of the biliary tree. A giant choledochal cyst is defined as a cyst with a maximum diameter of ≥ 10 cm. It is an unusual entity and rarely revealed in adulthood. We describe the case of a giant, infected CC presenting as acute pancreatitis with results of abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography consistent with a pancreatic pseudocyst. The diagnosis of CC was made on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings. We proceeded with cholecystectomy and the complete resection of the diverticulum after its dissection. The defect in the common bile duct was closed transversally over a T-tube. At the last follow-up two years after his admission, the patient is symptom-free with normal liver enzymes To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported of giant CC complicated with both infection and pancreatitis.

Keywords: acute pancreatitis; choledochal cyst; general surgery; magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography; pancreatic pseudocyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports