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Citation:
Bell D, Campos A, Skalina T, et al. Fetal choledochal cyst. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 08 Feb 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-15428
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 recognized female predilection and a greater occurrence in Asian populations.
Ultrasound
It may be seen as an anechoic fetal intra-abdominal cyst within or close to the fetal liver.
Demonstration of continuity with the fetal gallbladder or hepatic ducts or presence of associated intra- and extrahepatic ducts may further aid the diagnosis.
Treatment and prognosis
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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2. Lee IH, Kim GJ. Fetal choledochal cyst diagnosed at 22 weeks of gestation by three-dimensional ultrasonography: a case report. J. Korean Med. Sci. 2008;23 (5): 909-11. doi:10.3346/jkms.2008.23.5.909 - Free text at pubmed - Pubmed citation
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