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Published on: March 28, 2025
Choledochal cyst associated with portal hypertension
K L N Rao1, S K Chowdhary, D Kumar
1Department of Paediatric surgery, Advanced Paediatric Centre, PGIMER, 160012 Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Delayed presentation of choledochal cysts can cause portal hypertension. Initial internal drainage may help manage complications before cyst excision in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Choledochal cysts, particularly when diagnosed late, are associated with complications like portal hypertension.
- The exact mechanisms causing portal hypertension in choledochal cyst patients remain incompletely understood.
- Existing literature inadequately addresses the management of choledochal cysts presenting with portal hypertension.
Observation:
- This study reviews four cases of choledochal cysts with co-existing portal hypertension over a decade.
- Clinical presentations included gastrointestinal bleeding, splenomegaly, and incidental findings of esophageal varices.
- Surgical intervention was complicated by extensive portovenous collaterals in some patients.
Findings:
- Portal hypertension in choledochal cysts may stem from direct portal vein compression, secondary biliary cirrhosis, or portal vein thrombosis.
- Standard surgical excision and bypass were challenging due to significant collateralization.
- An initial strategy of internal cyst drainage (endoscopic or operative) showed potential for collateral regression.
Implications:
- Internal drainage may facilitate safer cyst excision in complex cases with severe portal hypertension.
- Liver function and histopathology are critical determinants of patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimize management strategies for this patient cohort.
Abstract:
Portal hypertension is a known complication of delayed presentation of choledochal cyst. In the literature, choledochal cyst presenting with portal hypertension has not been addressed adequately. The aetiology of portal hypertension in these cases has not been well studied, but it may be related to compression of the cyst over the portal vein, secondary biliary cirrhosis, or even extrahepatic portal venous thrombosis. We present our experience with four cases of choledochal cysts with associated portal hypertension over a 10-year period (1991-2001). Gastrointestinal bleeding, splenomegaly or incidental discovery of oesophageal varices led to the diagnosis of associated portal hypertension. Excision of choledochal cyst and bilioenteric bypass may not be feasible in those patients with massive collaterals in the region of porta with secondary portal hypertension. An initial approach of internal drainage (endoscopic/operative) of the cyst may allow regression of collaterals and subsequent safe excision of the cyst in this difficult group of patients. The liver function and histopathology dictated the final outcome.
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