Aplasia of the dorsal pancreas and choledochal cyst

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Choledochal cysts are rare congenital biliary tract malformations.
• Dorsal pancreatic aplasia is a rare congenital anomaly of the pancreas.
• Chronic pancreatitis can result from various underlying conditions.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old boy presented with obstructive jaundice, a symptom of biliary tract issues.
• The patient was diagnosed with a choledochal cyst and aplasia of the dorsal pancreas.
• Chronic pancreatitis was identified as a complication in this case.

Findings:

• The case highlights the uncommon co-occurrence of choledochal cyst and dorsal pancreatic aplasia.
• This specific combination was complicated by the development of chronic pancreatitis.
• The patient underwent successful management including percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) and surgical excision.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rare congenital anomalies and their pancreatic complications.
• It underscores the importance of considering complex congenital associations in pediatric obstructive jaundice.
• The successful surgical outcome provides a potential management pathway for similar rare presentations.