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Published on: June 28, 2021
Spontaneous rupture of the bile duct associated with pancreatitis. A rare presentation
Mahesh K Goenka1, Bhaswati C Acharyya, Pradeepta K Sethy
1Institute of Gastroenterology, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital. Kolkata, India. mkgkolkata@gmail.com
Insights
Spontaneous bile duct rupture is a rare cause of jaundice in infants. Early diagnosis and drainage are crucial for managing this condition and reducing complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spontaneous bile duct rupture is a rare but recognized cause of jaundice in infants, often following biliary atresia.
- This condition can present with symptoms mimicking other abdominal emergencies.
Observation:
- A case of a four-year-old girl presenting with severe abdominal pain, suggestive of acute pancreatitis, is described.
- She developed abdominal distension and was found to have a ruptured bile duct leading to biliary peritonitis.
Findings:
- Initial management involved laparoscopic drainage, but persistent biliary drainage necessitated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement.
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with a choledochal cyst.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion is vital for diagnosing spontaneous bile duct rupture.
- Utilizing advanced imaging like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and prompt surgical or endoscopic intervention can improve outcomes.
- Early diagnosis and management are key to reducing morbidity and mortality in this rare pediatric surgical emergency.
Context:
Spontaneous rupture of the bile duct, although rare, has been described as a known surgical cause of jaundice in infancy after biliary atresia.
Case Report:
This article describes a four-year-old girl who presented with severe abdominal pain and features suggestive of acute pancreatitis, who developed gradual distension of the abdomen, and was found to have a ruptured bile duct, producing biliary peritonitis. She was managed with laparoscopic drainage of the peritoneal cavity. However, in view of the persistent biliary drainage, an ERCP was performed followed by stent placement for a bile duct leak. She was subsequently diagnosed as having a choledochal cyst.
Conclusion:
A high index of suspicion, appropriate investigation, such as MRCP, combined with early drainage can help in reaching an early diagnosis, and reduced morbidity and mortality in this rare disorder.
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