Diagnosis of clinically unsuspected gallbladder rupture by peritoneal fluid cytology. A case report

Rupture of the biliary system resulting in bile ascites may occur spontaneously or as a complication of inflammatory disease, biliary tract manipulation or trauma. Leakage of bile into the peritoneal cavity can cause severe chemical peritonitis, requiring rapid surgical intervention.

A 64-year-old male status post total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma developed abdominal pain and ascites. Diagnostic paracentesis was performed, and bile pigment was noted on cytologic examination, raising the possibility of biliary rupture. This was confirmed radiographically, and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, where a ruptured gallbladder was found and cholecystectomy performed.

Recognition of bile pigment on cytologic examination of ascitic fluid followed by measurement of ascitic fluid bilirubin levels can alert clinicians to the presence of clinically unsuspected bile peritonitis in patients with rupture of the biliary system.