BILE DUCT INJURY REPAIR IN A PATIENT WITH SITUS INVERSUS TOTALIS

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) causes significant sequelae for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life, and should be managed in centers with expertise. Anatomical variants may contribute to a higher risk of BDI during cholecystectomy.

AIMS

To report a case of bile duct injury in a patient with situs inversus totalis.

METHODS

A 42-year-old female patient with a previous history of situs inversus totalis and a BDI was initially operated on simultaneously to the lesion ten years ago by a non-specialized surgeon. She was referred to a specialized center due to recurrent episodes of cholangitis and a cholestatic laboratory pattern. Cholangioresonance revealed a severe anastomotic stricture. Due to her young age and recurrent cholangitis, she was submitted to a redo hepaticojejunostomy with the Hepp-Couinaud technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BDI repair in a patient with situs inversus totalis.

RESULTS

The previous hepaticojejunostomy was undone and remade with the Hepp-Couinaud technique high in the hilar plate with a wide opening in the hepatic confluence of the bile ducts towards the left hepatic duct. The previous Roux limb was maintained. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, the drain was removed on the seventh post-operative day, and the patient is now asymptomatic, with normal bilirubin and canalicular enzymes, and no further episodes of cholestasis or cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical variants may increase the difficulty of both cholecystectomy and BDI repair. BDI repair should be performed in a specialized center by formal hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeons to assure a safe perioperative management and a good long-term outcome.

Bile Duct Tumor as the Presenting Manifestation of Colon Cancer: A Case Report

Painless obstructive jaundice is a well-recognized clinical sign of hepatocellular pathology or obstruction of the biliary system. Bile duct tumors are a known etiology of painless obstructive jaundice. Here, we present a case of obstructive jaundice, which was initially thought be caused by cholangiocarcinoma based on computerized tomography imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography but was later found to be hilar metastasis from an undiscovered colon cancer.

Alagille syndrome: an orphan disease in Colombia and summary of recent advances in treatment and survival - a case report

Alagille syndrome has been described as a multisystemic clinical spectrum caused by an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Although it is estimated that there is 1 case per 100 000 live births, the prognosis for survival and quality of life for these patients is varied but tends to be negative. In Colombia, this condition is considered an orphan disease with difficult management due to the lack of specialized centers that have all the medical specialties and subspecialties. Some reports state that no more than 30 cases have been published in this country.

Materials and methods

The authors report a case of a male baby who, at 8 days old, he was taken to the general practitioner's outpatient clinic for persistent jaundice. At 3 months of age, he was reviewed by the pediatric gastroenterology department, which requested liver and biliary tract scintigraphy, showing atresia of the biliary tract, hepatomegaly, and the absence of a gallbladder.

Results

Liver transplantation is the definitive solution. However, in low- and middle-income countries, where there are no well-established organ transplantation programs, the prognosis for these patients is presumed to be worse.

Conclusion

Alagille syndrome is a rare disease that requires an accurate and early diagnosis and timely multidisciplinary management to reduce the impact of multisystemic complications. It is necessary to advance in transplant programs in low- and middle-income countries, to provide a solution to cases where there are no other therapeutic alternatives, and to contribute to the quality of life of the affected patient.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACH OF COMPLICATED HYDATID DISEASE: ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN CHOLANGIOHYDATIDOSIS

BACKGROUND

Hydatid disease, a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, is an infectious disease endemic in different areas, such as India, Australia, and South America. The liver is well known as the organ most commonly affected by hydatid disease and may present a wide variety of complications such as hepatothoracic hydatid transit, cyst superinfection, intra-abdominal dissemination, and communication of the biliary cyst with extravasation of parasitic material into the bile duct, also called cholangiohydatidosis. Humans are considered an intermediate host, exposed to these larvae by hand-to-mouth contamination of the feces of infected dogs.

AIM

This study aimed to highlight the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with acute cholangitis secondary to cholangiohydatidosis.

METHODS

Considering the imaging findings in a 36-year-old female patient with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showing a complex cystic lesion in liver segment VI, with multiple internal vesicles and a wall defect cyst that communicates with the intrahepatic biliary tree, endoscopic biliary drainage was performed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with papillotomy, leading to the discharge of multiple obstructive cysts and hydatid sand from the main bile duct.

RESULTS

Clinical and laboratory findings improved after drainage, with hospital discharge under oral antiparasitic treatment before complete surgical resection of the hepatic hydatid cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a safe and useful method for the treatment of biliary complications of hepatic hydatid disease and should be considered the first-line procedure for biliary drainage in cases of cholangiohydatid disease involving secondary acute cholangitis.

Efficacy and safety of direct peroral cholangioscopy using a new multibending ultra-slim endoscope for the management of biliary diseases

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Compared with currently available duodenoscopy-assisted systems, direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultra-slim endoscope is limited by technical difficulties. The multibending (MB) ultra-slim endoscope was introduced as a dedicated cholangioscope for DPOC to challenge the technical problem. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical utility of DPOC using an MB endoscope with free-hand insertion into the bile duct in patients with biliary diseases.

METHODS

A total of 145 patients who underwent DPOC using an MB endoscope were analyzed. The primary outcome was the technical success rate of DPOC using the free-hand insertion of the MB endoscope. The secondary outcomes were the technical success rates of DPOC-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the diagnostic accuracy of DPOC-guided target biopsy, and adverse events related to DPOC.

RESULTS

Free-hand biliary insertion of a MB endoscope for DPOC was technically successful in 133 patients (91.7%). DPOC-guided target biopsy was successful in 36 of 38 patients (94.7%) and had a diagnostic accuracy of 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 82.6-100). Sixty-nine therapeutic interventions were performed; technical success was achieved in 65 (94.2%). No severe adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The MB ultra-slim endoscope was technically effective to perform a DPOC including various diagnosis and therapeutic interventions without device assistance. MB endoscope is considered to contribute to expanding a role of DPOC in diagnosis and treatment of diverse biliary tract diseases.

A case of portal biliopathy in a young patient with portal cavernoma secondary to neonatal umbilical vein catheterization

Portal biliopathy (PB) refers to biliary obstruction caused by cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). CTPV occurs most frequently in patients with liver cirrhosis or malignancy. Less common causes include congenital malformations and neonatal umbilical vein cannulation. We present a case of portal biliopathy in a 28-year-old man with CTPV secondary to umbilical vein catheterization in neonatal age. The case illustrates portal biliopathy as a late complication of neonatal invasive procedures and highlights the importance of a multimodality imaging approach to achieve a prompt diagnosis.

Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma

Physicians need to recognize the potential complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which are rare but can be serious. We describe a case of post-ERCP subcapsular hepatic hematoma (SHH). A 39-year-old man with a history of alcohol use, complicated by chronic pancreatitis and common bile duct (CBD) stricture, presented with right upper quadrant pain two weeks after the placement of a stent for CBD stricture. He was managed with pain control and antibiotics. SHH is a rare complication of ERCP. Hematomas can expand, resulting in significant anemia and liver function test (LFT) elevation, or can become infected. Patients with SHH must be carefully monitored in the post-ERCP setting.

Percutaneous Management of Biliary Stones

Bile duct stone disease is the most common causes of nonmalignant bile duct obstructions. The range of common bile duct stone formation in patients with cholecystectomy is 3 to 14.7%. Hepatolithiasis, although endemic in some parts of the world, is a rare disease that is difficult to manage. Endoscopic intervention is accepted as the first-line management of common bile duct stones. However, when the bile duct cannot be cannulated for various reasons, the endoscopic procedure fails. In this circumstance, percutaneous approach is an alternative technique for the nonsurgical treatment of bile duct stones. This article reviews the indications, technique, outcomes, and complications of the percutaneous treatment of bile duct stone disease.

Endoscopic management of non-anastomotic biliary strictures following liver transplantation: Long-term results from a single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

Studies on endoscopic treatment of non-anastomotic biliary strictures (NABS) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are scanty and with a short follow-up. The long-term results of endoscopic treatment with plastic stents of NABS following OLT were analyzed.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of consecutive enrolled patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for NABS after OLT between 1997 and 2015. Endoscopic treatment success was defined as stricture resolution, without recurrence.

RESULTS

During the study period, 33 patients with NABS underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in our center. A total of 68 ERCP were performed with a 4.4% of procedure-related adverse events. Mortality related to cholangitis secondary to endoscopic procedures was 12%. After median follow-up of 70.3 months from stents removal, NABS resolution was obtained in 12 out of 24 (50%) patients. Only one case of late NABS recurrence was observed which was successfully retreated endoscopically. According to our data analysis NABS occurring <12 months from OLT showed a worse prognosis (P < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The follow-up of this study confirms that endoscopic treatment of NABS is unsatisfactory. However, patients who respond to endoscopic treatment maintain the response over time. Prompt treatment of acute cholangitis due to stents occlusion is advised in these patients to avoid high mortality rates.

Applications, Limitations, and Expansion of Cholangioscopy in Clinical Practice

Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) provides minimally invasive, direct endoscopic visualization of the biliary ductal system for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. POC has benefited from a number of technologic advances since its first introduction several decades ago. These advances have led to improved utility and expanded functionality, making POC an integral part of managing various bile duct diseases and disorders. Over time, the clinical role of POC has expanded. Novel applications and capabilities are being increasingly appreciated and developed. This article provides an overview of the current state of POC, with a particular focus on digital single-operator cholangioscopy and its strengths, limitations, advances, and emerging applications.

[Bouveret syndrome: unusual cause of gallstone ileus]

Introduction

Bouveret syndrome consists of an obstruction of the gastric outlet due to the impaction of a gallstone in the duodenal bulb after migration through a cholecystoduodenal fistula.

Clinical Case

Patient with diffuse colicky abdominal pain, diarrhea and yellowish vomiting. The imaging tests carried out reveal significant gastric and duodenal dilation with the presence of gas at the gallbladder level with the existence of a cholecystoduodenal fistula with a rounded intraluminal image in the proximal jejunum compatible with migrated lithiasis. The patient underwent emergency surgery through an enterotomy with removal of the calculus and its closure. Discussion:

Discussion

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare gallstone ileus condition that causes significant morbidity and mortality and often occurs in the elderly with significant comorbidities. Individual diagnosis and treatment strategies are required for optimal management and results, with endoscopic treatment or open surgery being the two treatments available for resolution of the condition.

Conclusion

Bouveret syndrome is a life-threatening condition with gastric outlet obstruction caused by large gallstones. In most cases, a CT scan is required for diagnosis, and although in some cases percutaneous and endoscopic treatments can be successful as first-line treatment, most patients require surgery to remove stones.

Diagnostic accuracy of Charcot's triad: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Charcot's triad is a well-established diagnostic tool for acute cholangitis (AC). It has been recognized as an inaccurate test in clinical practice; however, its exact sensitivity and specificity remain unclear. This knowledge is key to informing the value of its continued clinical application. The objectives of this study are to calculate an estimate of the sensitivity and specificity of Charcot's triad based on published research and consider its applicability to clinical practice and medical education.

METHODS

Electronic database search for relevant literature and review of reference lists of the subsequent articles for additional resources. Two independent researchers located articles which were qualitatively and quantitatively reviewed. The overall sensitivity and specificity values across all studies were subsequently calculated.

RESULTS

The 16 articles included in the review varied widely in study design and the sensitivity of Charcot's triad was reported for AC. Across the included articles, there were 4288 patients studied. The overall sensitivity for Charcot's triad was calculated as 36.3%. The specificity was only analysed in three studies and had an overall value of 93.2%. Nine of the articles also investigated the sensitivity of Reynold's pentad which was consistently low with an overall value of 4.82%. The specificity of Reynold's pentad was not studied.

CONCLUSION

Charcot's triad has limited clinical utility as a diagnostic algorithm for AC. It is an effective rule-in test but a poor rule-out test and should be applied and taught accordingly. A more sensitive diagnostic tool is required to achieve superior outcomes for AC patients.

Primary biliary cirrhosis: safety and benefits of established and emerging therapies

INTRODUCTION

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic, cholestatic liver disease characterized histologically by lymphocytic cholangitis and intralobular bile duct destruction. It is a progressive disorder associated with increased mortality and decreased quality of life related to hepatic fibrosis, troublesome symptoms such as fatigue and pruritus, and ultimately endstage cirrhosis. PBC affects adults around the world, and therefore effective treatment of PBC and its associated symptoms constitute significant issues for patients and providers as well as on a public health level. The only approved pharmacotherapy for PBC to date is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a choleretic, hydrophilic bile acid which has been in clinical use for decades. UDCA is effective in a majority of patients with PBC, but nearly a third of patients are UDCA non-responders. Non-response to UDCA is associated with an increased risk of death or need for liver transplantation (LT). Whereas LT is an effective treatment, it engenders substantial cost and a risk of PBC recurrence, among other complications. Patients who are non-responders to UDCA or have highly symptomatic disease (e.g., intractable pruritus) are thus in critical need of novel therapeutic approaches, which are both safe and effective.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we provide a synopsis regarding the safety and benefits of established and emerging pharmacotherapies for PBC and present viewpoints on how they may evolve over the next several years.

EXPERT OPINION

It is our belief that the pharmacoscope of PBC, as with other cholestatic liver diseases, is likely to see important advancements in the near future.

Errors and mistakes in the ultrasound diagnostics of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts

Ultrasonography is the most widespread imaging technique used in the diagnostics of the pathologies concerning the organs in the abdominal cavity. Similarly to other diagnostic tools, errors may occur in ultrasound examinations. They generally result from inappropriate techniques, which do not conform to current standards, or erroneous interpretation of obtained images. A significant portion of mistakes is caused by inappropriate quality of the apparatus, the presence of sonographic imaging artifacts, unfavorable anatomic variants or improper preparation of the patient for the examination. This article focuses on the examiner-related errors. They concern the evaluation of the liver size, echostructure and arterial and venous vascularization as well as inappropriate interpretation of the liver anatomic variants and the vascular and ductal structures localized inside of it. Furthermore, the article presents typical mistakes made during the diagnosis of the most common gallbladder and bile duct diseases. It also includes helpful data concerning differential diagnostics of the described pathologies of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. The article indicates the most frequent sources of mistakes as well as false negative and false positive examples which result from these errors. What is more, the norms used in the liver, gallbladder and bile duct evaluations are presented as well as some helpful guidelines referring to the exam techniques and image interpretation, which allows for reducing the error-making risk. The article has been prepared on the basis of the report published in 2005 by the Polish experts in the field of ultrasonography and extended with the latest findings obtained from the pertinent literature.

Generation of a cholangiocyte-specific cDNA expression library for the identification of B and T cell autoantigens in murine biliary disease

AIM

  Several mouse models of inflammatory cholangiopathies exist, including biliary atresia, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In an ongoing effort to identify the target antigens of both infiltrating autoreactive T cells and serum autoantibodies, we aimed to generate a cholangiocyte-derived cDNA library capable of expressing a wide variety of proteins.

METHODS

  mRNA was isolated from a normal mouse cholangiocyte cell line and reverse transcribed into cDNA. After initial cloning of the cDNA into a transfer vector (pDONR222), the entire library was shuttled into an Escherichia coli expression vector (pDEST160).

RESULTS

  The library contains 2.3 × 10(6) independent clones and expresses proteins up to 100 kD in molecular weight. Using a variety of techniques, including western blot analysis, mass spectrometry of individual clones, and direct DNA sequencing of plasmids, a number of both ubiquitously expressed and cholangiocyte-specific proteins (e.g. cytokeratin 19) have been identified within.

CONCLUSION

  A comprehensive mouse cholangiocyte cDNA expression library has been generated and is available for use as a source of multiple cholangiocyte-specific antigens for immunological studies. The library can be used to screen for specificity of T cell lines or hybridomas. Furthermore, this library has potential uses in SEREX analysis of autoantibody reactivity. The cholangiocyte-specific cDNA library is a powerful tool for the identification of target antigens in murine inflammatory cholangiopathies and is available as a shared resource.

Challenges of Cholangiocarcinoma Detection in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, cholestatic, idiopathic liver disease characterized by fibro-obliterative inflammation of the hepatic bile ducts. In a clinically significant proportion of patients, PSC progresses to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and in some cases, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The development of CCA in PSC is unpredictable, its surveillance and diagnosis complex, and its treatment options limited unless detected early. Herein we provide a focused review of the current literature regarding CCA surveillance in patients with PSC and discuss the diagnostic and management challenges that exist. Where evidence is limited, we present our perspective and approach as well as directions for future research.

Management of spontaneous perforation of the bile duct in an infant in a semi-urban setup: a case report

Spontaneous perforation of the extrahepatic bile duct leading to biliary peritonitis is a rare occurrence once other causes of biliary peritonitis, such as trauma, choledochal cyst, stone diseases, and distal atresia of the bile duct, are ruled out. A 7-month-old male infant was brought to the hospital in critical condition with distension of the abdomen. He had a history of vomiting and diarrhoea, low-grade fever, and refusal to feed for 2 days. Signs of peritonitis were found upon examination. Due to the poor general condition of the patient, the case was taken up for laparotomy, and a diagnosis of spontaneous extrahepatic bile duct perforation was made intra-operatively. In the present case, the cause was idiopathic. An external drain was placed near the site of the leak for 2 weeks. The patient recovered well and was discharged on post-operative day 16. Disease awareness for correct pre-operative diagnosis and interventional planning is required to reduce mortality, morbidity, and complications in spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct.