Double common bile duct: report of a case

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• A 51-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, prompting diagnostic imaging.
• Initial ultrasound identified a gallbladder stone, while CT revealed intrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder air.

Observation:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated contrast flow from the gallbladder into the duodenal bulb.
• Surgical exploration revealed a cholecystoduodenal fistula without surrounding inflammation.

Findings:

• The resected fistula exhibited continuity between gallbladder and duodenum, lined by mucosa with Brunner's glands.
• Histological examination confirmed the absence of inflammatory adhesions, supporting an congenital anomaly.
• A diagnosis of double common bile duct was established.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary system.
• Accurate diagnosis through combined imaging and surgical findings is crucial for patient management.
• Understanding such anatomical variations is important for preventing surgical complications.