Biliary strictures as a cause of primary intrahepatic bile duct stones

Abstract

Abstract We collected 51 cases of stricture in the upper portion of the biliary tract and discussed the pathogenesis and the clinical significance of the strictures. All 51 patients had congenital cystic dilatation of the common bile duct (CCDB): 2 had infant‐type cysts which involved the choledochus and/or the common hepatic duct, and 49 had adult‐type cysts which included the entire extrahepatic bile duct and/or the main intrahepatic bile ducts. Thirty‐five of the latter 49 had intrahepatic bile duct stones proximal to the stricture. Considering the location and the clinical features, the strictures may have been formed congenitally. Furthermore, adult‐type cysts of the common bile duct with strictures in the upper portion of the biliary tract are thought to be the basis for the formation of primary intrahepatic bile duct stones.