BACKGROUND: Choledochal cyst represents a rare congenital anomaly, eventually associated with intra and extrahepatic biliary tract disorders. Extrahepatic diseases include choledochal cysts and congenital dilation of the lower intrahepatic bile duct is known as Caroli's disease. Giant choledochal cyst constitutes a very rare abnormality. AIM:To report a giant choledochal cyst in a female patient. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old woman was admitted presenting history of icterus and fecal acholia for 7 days. Patient referred epigastric pain related to fat ingestion. Previously she presented two episodes of icterus, 8 years and 14 years old, with spontaneously regression. Physical examination showed icterus (+3/+4) and palpable asymptomatic abdominal mass. Ultrasound investigation demonstrated a thin wall big cystic formation adjacent to hepatocholedochal, pancreas, and right kidney, 18,5 x 10,2 cm in size. Magnetic resonance cholangiography confirmed the giant choledochal cyst. Hepaticojejuno anastomosis in Roux-en-Y after cystic resection and cholecistectomy were performed. Cystic formation measured 20 x 15,5 x 12,5 cm and presented a volume approximately 1000mL. Since the seventh month after surgery procedure, no evidence of jaundice has been detected in follow-up visiting. CONCLUSION: Choledochal cyst must be considered as a differential diagnosis in young adults presenting with icterus and palpable mass; although, neoplasia must also be investigated.
Choledochal cyst; Caroli disease
