Fetal choledochal cyst

Last revised by Tristan Skalina on 23 Jul 2019

Fetal choledochal cysts  are choledochal cysts diagnosed in utero.

The estimated incidence rate of choledochal cysts is  ~1 in 2 million live births 2. There is a recognsed female predilection and a greater occurrence in Asian populations.

It may be seen as an anechoic fetal intra-abdominal cyst within or close to the fetal liver. 

Demonstration of continuity with the fetal gall bladder or hepatic ducts or presence of associated intra- and extrahepatic ducts may further aid the diagnosis.

Surgical excision with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis is often performed postpartum as part of management.

On ultrasound, the main differential considerations for the cyst within the adjacent to the liver include

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