Cystic malformation of cystic duct: 10 cases and review of literature

AIM: To evaluate cystic malformations of the cystic duct. METHODS: Over a 2-year period, we came across 10 cases of cystic malformation of the cystic duct among patients who were investigated in our radiology department with ultrasonography, multidetector computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging for abdominal complaints. Radiological diagnosis of cystic malformation of the cystic duct was made on the basis of a dilated, nonvascular cystic structure near the porta hepatis, and visualization of a clear communication with either the gallbladder, normal caliber cystic duct and/or common bile duct (CBD) on at least one imaging modality. RESULTS: Four of 10 patients had saccular dilatation of the cystic duct. Six patients had fusiform dilatation of the cystic duct, and two of these had only mild fusiform dilatation. Two patients had associated CBD dilatation and one had associated cystic duct calculi and malignancy. CONCLUSION: Cystic malformations of the cystic duct should be recognized as a distinct type of choledochal cyst and should be added as type. cyst in Todani's classification. (C) 2012 Baishideng. All rights reserved.