Choledochal Cyst : Clinical Features

Clinical Presentation: Choledochal cyst usually presents in infancy and childhood with a strong female predilection (80% of cases). Approx. 60% of cases are diagnosed before the age of 10 yrs. About 20-30% of cases are diagnosed in adults, sometimes as late as 7th or 8th decade. The clinical presentation consists of abdominal pain, jaundice, and a mass. Children usually present with jaundice whereas adults develop symptoms and signs of ascending cholangitis.

This photograph shows a choledochal cyst on the right and gallbladder on the left. Image courtesy of: Dr. Ibrahim Zardawi; used with permission.