A resected case of small intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma initially detected by focally dilated intrahepatic bile duct

Abstract

We report a relatively rare case of small intrahapatic cholangiocarcinoma. A 84-year-old woman was referred for further examination due to the focally dilated intrahepatic bile duct detected by ultrasonography. Laboratory data including tumor markers and liver function test were within normal limits except for γ-GTP. Computed tomography showed a dilated intrahepatic bile duct (B2), but the tumor could not be detected. ERCP revealed severe stricture at the origin of B2. Angiography suggested an encasement of the intrahepatic arterial branch for segment 2. Although the presence of cancer was not evident, left hepatic lobectomy was performed with the suspicion of cholangiocarcinoma. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed a small (9mm in size) cholangiocarcinoma confined to the periductal portion without invasion to the hepatic parenchyma.