[Congenital cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Caroli's disease and its complications].

Two cases with congenital dilatations of the intrahepatic bile ducts are reported. The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects and possible complications of this rare disease are discussed. The well-known frequent occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma in Caroli's disease is illustrated by one of our patients. Because of the limited therapeutic possibilities, the prognosis of this illness remains unfavourable.