Caroli disease

A rare congenital disorder affecting the bile ducts

Caroli disease
Synonyms	Caroli syndrome (if associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis)
Pronounce
Field	Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Genetics
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, hepatomegaly
Complications	Cholangitis, intrahepatic gallstones, biliary cirrhosis, cholangiocarcinoma
Onset	Usually in childhood or early adulthood
Duration	Lifelong
Types	Caroli disease (isolated bile duct dilation), Caroli syndrome (with congenital hepatic fibrosis)
Causes	Congenital malformation of the bile ducts
Risks	Autosomal recessive inheritance (commonly associated with PKHD1 gene mutation)
Diagnosis	MRI, ultrasound, CT scan, ERCP
Differential diagnosis	Primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal cyst, biliary atresia
Prevention	None known
Treatment	Management of complications, surgical resection (in localized disease), liver transplant (in severe cases)
Medication	Antibiotics for cholangitis, ursodeoxycholic acid for bile flow
Prognosis	Variable; depends on complications and extent of liver involvement
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	Related to complications like cholangitis or liver failure

Figure 2 Location of the PKHD1 gene on chromosome 6, short (p) arm

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) of Caroli disease, showing cystic dilatations of bile ducts.

Caroli disease is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the dilation of the bile ducts within the liver. It is a type of fibropolycystic liver disease and is associated with complications such as cholangitis, liver abscesses, and an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

Pathophysiology

Caroli disease results from a developmental defect in the remodeling of the ductal plate, which is the embryonic precursor to the bile ducts. This defect leads to the segmental dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. The disease is often associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis, which can lead to portal hypertension.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with Caroli disease may present with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice due to biliary stasis and cholangitis. The disease can also lead to the formation of bile duct stones and liver abscesses.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Caroli disease is typically made using imaging studies. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are commonly used to visualize the characteristic "central dot sign," which represents the dilated bile ducts surrounding a portal vein branch. Computed tomography (CT) scans can also be used to assess the extent of ductal dilation and associated complications.

Management

Management of Caroli disease focuses on treating complications and preventing recurrent infections. Antibiotics are used to treat cholangitis, and ursodeoxycholic acid may be prescribed to improve bile flow. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as hepatic resection or liver transplantation may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis of Caroli disease varies depending on the extent of liver involvement and the presence of complications. Patients with isolated Caroli disease generally have a better prognosis than those with associated congenital hepatic fibrosis. The risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma is increased in individuals with Caroli disease.

Related pages

• Bile duct
• Cholangitis
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Congenital hepatic fibrosis
• Fibropolycystic liver disease