Asymptomatic intrahepatic choledochal cyst associated with chronic active hepatitis C

A rare case of asymptomatic congenital choledochal cyst (Todani Type V) associated with chronic active hepatitis C is reported. A 45 year-old man was admitted for work-up of localized cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts after effective interferon treatment for chronic active hepatitis C. Radiologic examination revealed localized cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts in the atrophic left lobe. A left hepatic lobectomy was performed because malignancy had not been excluded. Macroscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Histologically, there was no evidence of malignancy. Hepatic lobectomy is the treatment of choice for Type V cysts if the disease is confined to a single lobe. Choledochal cysts should be excised to eliminate the potential for cholangitis, lithiasis, and carcinoma.