Recurrent Choledocholithiasis: Unveiling the Diagnostic Challenges of Profound Transaminitis Post Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND Profound transaminitis (>1000 international units per liter [IU/L]) is typically associated with ischemic and viral or toxic hepatitis. Pancreaticobiliary causes are less likely to be included in the workup, especially in patients who have undergone cholecystectomy. We present a case of recurrent choledocholithiasis in a 52-year-old woman 7 years after cholecystectomy, presenting with severe transaminitis, illustrating the diagnostic challenges of this presentation. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute upper abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen without contrast showed no abnormalities and mild common bile duct (CBD) dilation was noted on ultrasound (US) abdomen. Laboratory studies were significant for elevated transaminases greater than 1000 units/L and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) greater than 200 units/L. She was diagnosed with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology without undergoing further investigation of the biliary tract and was discharged after improvement with supportive therapy. She returned 4 months later with similar symptoms and laboratory findings, but with more CBD dilation and intrahepatic biliary dilation on CT and US. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, and multiple stones and sludge were removed from the CBD. CONCLUSIONS This report has shown that pancreaticobiliary causes should be included in the workup of severe transaminitis, even in patients with a remote history of cholecystectomy. Failure to do so may subject patients to extensive, unnecessary workup and delay correct management.