A Case of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Developed in a Remote Region from the Site of Hepatolithiasis

Lee, Jung Whan; Hur, Byung Won; Yim, Hyung Joon; Lee, Jin Soo; Sohn, Jang Wook; Park, Sang Hoon; Lee, Jung Yong; Kim, Jae Seon; Bak, Young Tae; Kim, Jin Ho; Kim, Jong Guk

Abstract

An association of hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma is thought to be rare, with a rate reported to be 2.36%-10%. Most of the cholangiocarcinomas concurrent with intrahepatic stones are found in the vicinity of the hepatolithiasis, and the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in cases with hepatolithiasis is very difficult to detect preoperatively in spite of recent developments in techniques of imaging studies. Recently, the development of cholangiocarcinoma was reportd even after the complete removal of the hepatic stones. Thus, bile stasis and bacterial infecton appear to be important causative factors causing cholangiocarcinoma rather than the stone itself. A rare case is reported on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma developed in a remote region from the site of the hepatolithiasis. Therefore, the possible presence of cholangiocarcinoma should always be considered and sought during the diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis.