[Spontaneous rupture of a choledochal cyst in a 11-month-old girl].
Choledochal cysts are rare congenital malformations of the biliary tract. Though most cysts are diagnosed incidentally, some present directly with complications. We report on the case of an 11-month-old girl admitted for abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. Ultrasonography revealed intraabdominal fluid and the absence of a choledochal cyst diagnosed 2 months earlier. Laparotomy for suspected rupture of a choledochal cyst was planned and a choledochojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y was performed. Spontaneous rupture of a choledochal cyst is rare and occurs most frequently in children under the age of 4. The exact cause is yet unknown and several factors have been implicated. The most probable cause is the combination of pancreatic reflux and epithelial irritation of a weakened cyst wall. Choledochal cysts should preferably be treated as soon as the child is 6 months old. Complete excision of the cyst is mandatory because of the risk of malignant transformation.
Harper
L
L
Département de Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Pellegrin-Enfants, CHU de Bordeaux, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux cedex, France. harper_luke@hotmail.com
Lavrand
F
F
Pietrera
P
P
Loot
M
M
Vergnes
P
P
D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D015529:Choledochal Cyst / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D002768:Choledochostomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014463:Ultrasonography