Anatomic variations of the cystic duct assessed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Abstract

The cystic duct is known for its anatomical variability. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the anatomical variations of the cystic duct based on the number, size, and its insertion into the common hepatic duct. This study included 63 patients (32 males and 31 females). The examinations were carried out using the Siemens Type of MRCP in the Aloka Clinical Surgery Clinic in Pristina as well as at the Radiologic Clinic in the UKC University Clinical Centre of Kosova in -Prishtina. The average length of the cystic duct was 27.3 mm ranging from 10 to 54 mm. The longest cystic duct length was in patients aged 30-39 years. The average cystic duct width was 3.2 mm ranging from 2 to 6 mm. The greatest cystic width were in patients aged 20-29 years. The cystic duct in 58.7% of cases had lateral proximal insertion (males 50.0%, females 67.7%); middle lateral insertion was 11.1% (males 12.5%, females 9.7%); middle medial insertion was seen in 6.3% of males; medial distal insertion was seen in 3.2% of females; and anterior insertion was seen in 3.1% of males. In 4.8% of cases the insertion position could not be evaluated. Cystic duct anatomic variations are very important for diagnostic and therapeutic approach, because the duct is part of the Trigonum of Calot and must be handled carefully during operation.