Type IVA choledochal cyst: a rare cause of cirrhosis in adults

Abstract

Abstract Background Choledochal cysts (CDCs) are characterized by congenital cystic dilations of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts or both. CDCs are very rarely reported in sub-Saharan Africa. This congenital anomaly of the bile ducts is rarely discovered at the stage of advanced chronic liver disease with portal hypertension. We report the first Malagasy case of a type IVA choledochal cyst discovered during an etiological work-up of cirrhosis. Case presentation A 23-year-old woman was hospitalized for jaundice and ascites. Biological and radiological investigations have led to the diagnosis of secondary biliary cirrhosis due to type IVA choledochal cyst. In view of the severity of the liver damage (Child-Pugh C score), a collegial decision (hepato-gastroenterologists and visceral surgeons) had rejected surgical intervention and opted only for the management of cirrhotic decompensation. Conclusion A type IVA choledochal cyst is a possible etiology of advanced chronic liver disease.