Spontaneous rupture of the common bile duct

Spontaneous rupture of the common bile duct is rare, but may result from increased intraductal pressure with associated calculous erosion and necrosis of the bile duct wall secondary to thrombosis. Two cases are reported; one clearly related to calculous erosion and the other unexplained. Survival depends on early diagnosis. Aggressive supportive therapy, including Swan-Ganz catheter, intensive care unit monitoring, and appropriate antibiotics, are mandatory. Only with early operation to alleviate sepsis and decompression of the biliary system can better survival be expected.