The common channel syndrome associated with cystic dilatation of the common bile duct. Apropos of a case complicated by lithiasis of the common channel

Abstract:  Perduodenoscopic retrograde cholangiography in a 15 year old boy with cystic dilatation of common bile duct demonstrated lithiasis of Vater's ampulla and collateral shunt for Wirsung's duct in the form of a functional Santorini duct. Cases of combined cystic dilatation of common bile and Vater's ducts reported in the literature are reviewed and a study conducted of frequency of cystic dilatation of common bile duct, its classification as described by Longmire and Hadat (enlarging that proposed by Alonso-Leij), and its diagnosis and complications. Routine retrograde cholangiography can delect lithiasis of Vater's ampulla and allow preoperative determination of therapy. Current investigatory procedures for these anomalies have allowed rediscussion of the etiopathogenicity of cystic dilatation of common bile duct and a tendency towards a duoalist hypothesis, without its definite confirmation at the present time.