[Diagnosis of choledochal cysts in children with special reference to ultrasonographic examination].

Early diagnosis of the choledochal cysts in childhood, especially obstructing bile outflow to the duodenum, is an important clinical problem; often leading to serious complications--if not treated. Authors treated 5 children with choledochal cysts. Three out of them have been treated surgically. Ultrasound examination is sufficient to diagnose the disease, if the cyst is connected with intrahepatic bile ducts. If such a case is not possible to be imaged, cholescintigraphy and thin-needle biopsy with contrast filling are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.