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An unusual cause of obstructive jaundice
Aula Abbara1, Huda Al-Hadithy, Shahid Khan
1Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3NN, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 21, 2011
Summary
A rare case of obstructive jaundice caused by a duodenal diverticulum filled with food was successfully treated with endoscopic removal. This intervention relieved the blockage, leading to significant clinical and biochemical improvement in the patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Obstructive jaundice can arise from various causes, often involving biliary or pancreatic duct compression.
- Duodenal diverticula are uncommon, and their role in causing obstructive jaundice is rarely documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of obstructive jaundice secondary to a gas-filled duodenal diverticulum.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of endoscopy in managing this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of an 80-year-old woman with painless jaundice, pruritus, and weight loss.
- Diagnostic workup including blood analysis revealing obstructive jaundice and CT scan identifying a duodenal diverticulum.
- Endoscopic intervention to clear impacted food material from the diverticulum.
Main Results:
- CT scan revealed a gas-filled duodenal diverticulum.
- Endoscopic clearance of impacted food material led to resolution of jaundice.
- Significant clinical and biochemical improvement was observed post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Duodenal diverticula can present as an unusual cause of obstructive jaundice.
- Endoscopic management is effective for obstructive jaundice caused by impacted food in duodenal diverticula.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to favorable patient outcomes.
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