to cover the wide spectrum of presentation of choledochal cysts to differentiate between this pathological entity and malignancy to introduce the possible etiology related to embryology to provide clues in order to detect complications in known cases

Choledochal cysts are relatively rare congenital disorders of the biliary tree, usually presented in infancy or in childhood [1-7]. They may manifest as focal or diffuse dilatations of the biliary tree. These cysts occur most often in East Asian populations; the incidence in Japan is 1 in 13,000 versus 1 in 100,000 in Western populations. The female/male ratio is 3:1 to 4:1 [1, 2, 8]. Many theories exist about the etiology of choledochal cysts. The most often cited theory is one that Babbit et al...

The diagnosis of biliary cyst can be suspected, but is usually confirmed by imaging techniques. US is frequently the first step assessment tool in bile duct cysts. The diagnosis of bile duct cysts through US can be made by the observation of the cystic mass connected with the bile ducts but separate from the gallbladder [26]. In addition to the evaluation of any dilatations in the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, US may also reveal potential accompanying cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis [26]. Still MRCP is applied...

It is important for the radiologist to become familiar with the different types of choledochal cysts, as some of them predipose to malignancy.

1. Lee HK, Park SJ, Yi BH, Lee AL, Moon JH, Chang YW. Imaging features of adult choledochal cysts: a pictorial review. Korean J Radiol. 2009;10:71-80. 2. Wiseman K, Buczkowski AK, Chung SW, Francoeur J, Schaeffer D, Scudamore CH. Epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of choledochal cysts in adults in an urban environment. Am J Surg. 2005; 189:527–531. 3. Visser BC, Suh I, Way LW, Kang SM. Congenital choledochal cysts in adults. Arch Surg. 2004;139:855–862. 4. Alonso-Lej F, Rever WB, Pessango DJ. Congenital Choledochal cyst,...