What are choledochal cysts?

Choledochal cysts are classified as congenital disorders characterized by cystic dilation of the bile ducts. These abnormalities are present at birth and result from an anomaly in the development of the bile duct system, often involving the extrahepatic bile ducts.

The key feature of choledochal cysts is their structural malformation, which leads to dilation of the bile ducts due to a variety of etiological factors, such as abnormal embryonic development or defects in the formation of the ductal system. This dilation can lead to complications, including obstruction, cholangitis, or the development of stone disease.

In contrast, acquired disorders that involve the bile ducts typically occur due to external factors or conditions developing after birth, rather than being intrinsic malformations. Inflammatory and infectious conditions, while they can affect the bile ducts, do not constitute the primary definition of choledochal cysts, which are fundamentally structural abnormalities present from birth. Thus, the classification as a congenital disorder is what defines choledochal cysts distinctly.