Proximal Biliary Stent Migration Causing Cardiac Tamponade

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Endoscopy
• Cardiology

Background:

• Plastic biliary stents are frequently used in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for diverse clinical indications.
• Stent-related complications, while generally uncommon, can occur.
• ERCP is a key procedure for diagnosing and treating biliary and pancreatic duct disorders.

Observation:

• A case report details a plastic biliary stent migrating proximally after ERCP.
• The stent traversed the liver capsule and diaphragm.
• This migration led to the development of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.

Findings:

• The primary finding is the unusual proximal migration of a plastic biliary stent through solid organs and the diaphragm.
• The migrated stent caused significant secondary complications, including pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
• This case underscores a rare but severe potential adverse event associated with biliary stenting.

Implications:

• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for rare stent migration complications.
• Awareness of this potential adverse event is crucial for patient management after ERCP.
• Further investigation into risk factors and preventative strategies for stent migration may be warranted.