Related Experiment Videos

Gallbladder ulcer eroding the cystic artery: a rare cause of hemobilia

Sandro Contini1, Mario Uccelli, Romano Sassatelli

  • 1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43,100 Parma, Italy. sandro.contini@unipr.it

American Journal of Surgery
|May 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hemorrhage from an eroded cystic artery in an inflamed gallbladder is rare. Selective angiography and embolization successfully stopped the bleeding, offering a clear diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Hemorrhage from the gallbladder is an uncommon clinical presentation.
  • Inflamed calculous gallbladder with ulceration can lead to arterial erosion.
  • Cystic artery bleeding presents a diagnostic challenge.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with bleeding from the papilla observed during side-view endoscopy.
  • Echo endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography indicated gallbladder bleeding.
  • Selective angiography confirmed bleeding from the cystic artery.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of cystic artery hemorrhage was established via selective angiography.
  • Embolization of the eroded cystic artery effectively controlled the hemorrhage.
  • This case highlights a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Implications:

  • Selective angiography is crucial for diagnosing cystic artery bleeding.
  • Embolization provides an effective endovascular treatment option.
  • Understanding this rare condition is important for clinical management.

Related Concept Videos

Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
Gallbladder01:17

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...