[Bile duct cysts; an unusual cause of jaundice in paediatrics. Presentation of a case series]

Abstract

Introduction: Cysts of the bile duct or choledochal cysts are rare diseases in our area. The aetiology is unknown, with the most accepted hypothesis being a pancreatobiliary maljunction anomaly.

Objective: To analyse the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of a number of patients with choledochal cyst, as well as presenting an update on this condition.

Method: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on paediatric patients diagnosed with choledochal cyst in the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital.

Case reports: A total of 4 choledochal cyst cases in childhood, predominantly female, are pre- sented. The most frequent reason for consultation was vomiting, and presenting with jaundice and choluria in all cases. Patients with choledochal cyst were classified as type I in 3 cases, and one case of type IVa. In all cases surgical treatment was performed; any patient had complications to date.

Conclusions: Cysts of the bile ducts have a low prevalence. The treatment of choice is surgical, requiring close monitoring due to the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

Keywords: Cholangiocarcinoma; Choledochal cyst; Colangiocarcinoma; Cyst bile duct; Ictericia; Jaundice; Quiste de colédoco; Quiste de vía biliar.