CONGENITAL CYSTIC DILATATION OF THE BILE AND PANCREATIC DUCTS

Abstract

The case here described was previously reported¹ after relief of biliary obstruction by operation for congenital cystic dilatation of the common bile duct. Later, diabetes developed, and finally hypertension with nephrosclerosis led to death. Necropsy showed cystic dilatation of the bile ducts and both pancreatic ducts, with many obstructive cysts in the latter and a hepaticoduodenostomy opening which had functioned normally for over thirteen years. Congenital cystic dilatation of the common bile duct is characterized clinically by symptoms of intermittent or chronic obstruction. The onset usually occurs in infancy or early youth, with intermittent attacks of acute abdominal pain. It is usually followed by jaundice and by a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Pathologically there is cystic dilatation of the common duct with evidence of a noninflammatory stricture or atresia near the outlet. Similar changes may involve the entire biliary duct system and both