Published online Aug 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i8.1784
Peer-review started: December 20, 2022
First decision: February 8, 2023
Revised: February 14, 2023
Accepted: June 11, 2023
Article in press: June 11, 2023
Published online: August 27, 2023
Processing time: 248 Days and 2.9 Hours
No systematic data on choledochal cysts (CC) in pregnancy exist.
Due to the rarity, no guidelines exist for the diagnostic workup and treatment and obstetric strategy for CC in pregnancy.
To collect the most published case reports on CC in pregnancy.
Descriptive statistics of available patient and disease data.
Cholangitis, CC > 15 cm, and bilirubin levels > 80 mmol/L were associated with a higher likelihood of urgent cesarean section (CS) and surgical intervention for CC. Bilirubin levels positively correlated with CC size. There was no correlation between age and cyst dimension, gestational age at cyst discovery, and CC size.
Although rare, maternal CC in pregnancy should be included in the evaluation of jaundice with upper abdominal pain. Symptomatology and clinical course are variable. Treatment may range from an expectative approach to emergent surgical CC treatment and urgent CS. While most cases were managed by conservative measures or drainage procedures, CC > 15 cm and progressive cholangitis carry the risk of CC rupture and septic complications, which may increase the rates of unfavorable maternal and fetal outcomes.
All cases of CC in pregnancy should be published to understand better the epidemiology, etiology, specific diagnostic imaging methods, and treatment strategy of this extremely rare condition.