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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains the main therapeutic modality towards the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones and dilatation of strictures. It also has varied diagnostic roles including brush biopsy. The procedure still is associated with side effects and increased morbidity and mortality. One side effect is bleeding. This may be associated with procedural trauma or bleeding following post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm delayed-onset bleeding. Although it may be argued that inflammation surrounding the biliary duct area and in particular the pancreas could also contribute to the delayed bleeding along the ampullary region, we present a case of delayed pseudoaneurysm bleeding that was successfully managed post-ERCP via interventional radiology-guided embolization.
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Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), otherwise known as non-alcoholic destructive pancreatitis or sclerosing pancreatitis, is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis that is clinically significant due to its potential to mimic pancreatic cancer. In our case, we present a 64-year-old male with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes and epigastric abdominal pain for one year who presented with worsening epigastric abdominal pain, 12-pound weight loss, and vomiting and was found to have a neuroendocrine tumor on a preliminary pathology report, while official pathology later came back stating AIP. Distinguishing between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic cancer is vital, given the stark contrast in their treatment and prognosis. In our case, preliminary pathology suggested a neuroendocrine tumor, prompting consultation with oncology. Utilizing invasive testing like EUS-FNA, we obtained an official diagnosis and prevented the patient from undergoing unnecessary treatments and interventions. Our case shows the importance of further testing when a patient presents with a fast-growing obstructive pancreatic mass. While searching the literature, there are no previously documented cases of an AIP mass as large as our patients and as fast-growing.
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INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) are said to be useful procedures for gallstone pancreatitis. However, there have been few reports on a large number of patients to whom they were used. The clinical usefulness of ERCP and EST is herein examined retrospectively. METHODS: ERCP and EST were performed to evaluate their clinical usefulness and safety in 108 patients who had gallbladder stones from December 1985 to October 2017 and were diagnosed as having gallstone pancreatitis. Of 108 patients, 83 were mild, and 25 were severe. Following the procedures, clinical courses were observed for three years in 108 patients who underwent the treatments. RESULTS: Cholangiogram was successfully conducted in 108 patients. Bile duct stones were noted in 90 patients, and the stones were removed after EST. Of 18 patients who did not show bile duct stone in cholangiogram, 13 patients underwent EST, while five patients taking anticoagulants completed procedures only with cholangiogram. Accidental symptom was hemorrhage in three patients (2.7%; 3/108), but it was mild and conservatively resolving. During the three-year observation period, acute cholangitis was noted in three patients (2.7%; 3/108), but no relapsing pancreatitis was noted. CONCLUSIONS: It was suggested that ERCP and EST could be useful therapies for gallstone pancreatitis.
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Choledochal cyst is a congenital pathology with an uncommon anomaly associated with common complaints of an abdominal lump and hepatic dysfunction. It may be presented equally in any phase of life, be it childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and is majorly detected by ultrasonography (USG) on the appearance of primary symptoms in the hepato-biliary system. It has a classical triad consisting of a lump in the upper quadrant on the right side of the abdomen, pain in the upper part of the abdomen, and obstructive jaundice. A few of the clinical features overlap with sickle cell disease. A 30-year-old male patient with sickle cell anemia was diagnosed eight years ago. The patient was diagnosed with a choledochal cyst with the clinical presentation of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which hampered his routine life. Due to symptomatic recurrence, the patient was subjected to USG (abdomen), which showed a dilated common bile duct (CBD) and dilated intrahepatic biliary radicals. This is a rare case presentation with both sickle cell disease and choledochal cyst, which are symptomatically similar. Based on history, risk factor analysis, and diagnostic findings, the patient was advised to have a Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are the investigations of choice, with the better being MRCP. ERCP is a therapeutic and diagnostic modality that helps in the removal of CBD calculus and the placement of a stent. There may be increased bilirubin, showing features of obstructive jaundice in alcoholic stools. In surgical management, which is of total excision of the cyst, there are vital structures in proximity. The patients with these complaints need to be evaluated thoroughly, and detailed clinical examination and proper radiological investigations will be performed. Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy with cyst excision in toto is the procedure of choice.
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As the age increases particularly above the age of 50 years, there is a significantly higher risk of developing gallstone-related complications especially cholecystitis and common bile duct stones with its associated consequences. Complications that arise after surgical operations for cholecystitis have been reported to have negative impacts on senior patients. These effects include a higher rate of complications, a longer hospital stay, higher expenditures, and decreased patient satisfaction. Therefore, finding the most effective treatment for cholecystitis in older patients is still a challenge. The aim of the study was carried out in order to identify many approaches that can be taken in the treatment of cholecystitis and stones in the common bile duct in older patients. A search was conducted through Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, ProQuest, and Cochrane using relevant Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords (elderly, age over 50, cholecystitis, bile duct stones, cholecystectomy, ERCP, surgical, conservative management, and open). The searches were limited to studies on elderly individuals over 50 who had cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between January 2000 and December 2022. The meta-analysis used the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (MHOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Aries Systems Corporation's Editorial Manager® (Aries Systems Corporation, North Andover, USA) and ProduXion Manager® (Aries Systems Corporation, North Andover, USA) facilitated the study. Out of 102 citations, 39 studies were selected for further study. After that, 18 studies were eliminated, leaving 21 for meta-analysis. The study found a protective risk of cholecystitis in cholecystectomy patients (MHOR = 0.16; 95%, CI = 0.10 to 0.25; p 0.001). Developing cholecystitis was substantially lower in early cholecystectomy patients (MHOR = 0.16; 95%, CI = 0.10 to 0.25; p 0.001). There was no significant difference in cholecystitis risk between open and laparoscopic surgery (MHOR = 0.65; 95%, CI = 0.41 to 1.04; p 0.07). Cholecystectomy performed at an earlier stage protects elderly patients from developing recurrent cholecystitis. In contrast to late cholecystitis, in which the patient would experience several attacks of cholecystitis, early cholecystectomy protects against the recurrence of the condition.
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Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is a rare complication of a common disease. Typically, DPDS occurs in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), chronic pancreatitis, abdominal surgery, or trauma. We present a case of DPDS from acute non-necrotizing pancreatitis (ANNP). A 41-year-old male with a history of alcohol use and prior AP presented with progressive, severe left-sided abdominal pain that was worse with movement. Labs revealed a lipase of 95 U/L (normal range 11-82 U/L). Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen/pelvis (A/P) with IV contrast demonstrated a large left-sided pleural effusion, non-necrotic pancreatic pseudocysts, and a large subdiaphragmatic fluid collection. Thoracentesis of the pleural effusion revealed an amylase of 601 U/L confirming pancreatic etiology. A subsequent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) confirmed complex peripancreatic ascites, rapid subdiaphragmatic fluid accumulation, and a fistula from the pancreatic tail to retroperitoneum concerning for a rapidly dissecting pancreatic pseudocyst. He ultimately underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement in the main pancreatic duct. His left-sided abdominal pain rapidly improved, and the patient was discharged. CT A/P one week after discharge showed a reduced size of subdiaphragmatic fluid collection. DPDS is usually seen in patients with a history of ANP. Our case demonstrates that it can also occur in ANNP, which has not previously been described in the literature. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion must be maintained for DPDS even in ANNP given its potential for severe complications.
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Hemorrhagic pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an adverse event that has received limited attention in medical studies. We describe a 28-year-old female who was admitted with symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, along with tenderness in the right upper quadrant upon physical examination. CT abdomen revealed the presence of a gallstone obstructing the common bile duct. The patient underwent an ERCP procedure, which included a biliary sphincterotomy and the balloon-assisted removal of the obstructing stone. Unfortunately, the procedure was complicated with acute pancreatitis characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen, suggestive of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. There was a notable decrease in hemoglobin levels and hypotension, indicating the need for a higher level of care. Patients were managed conservatively with hydration and pain control. Follow-up in the clinic confirmed the resolution of symptoms and stabilization of the hemoglobin. Prompt recognition of post-ERCP hemorrhagic pancreatitis is crucial and warrants a high index of suspicion. Furthermore, the discussion explored the various risk factors and pathological events behind post-ERCP pancreatitis to understand the mechanisms of the disease. Various previously used intervention and prevention strategies were critically discussed for the awareness of future researchers and healthcare practitioners.
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Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is widely recognized as a tumor marker primarily associated with pancreatic cancer. However, its elevation in benign pancreaticobiliary conditions complicates its diagnostic utility. We present the case of a 39-year-old male with no significant medical history who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The initial diagnosis suggested viral enteritis, but the subsequent worsening of symptoms led to further investigation. Elevated white blood cell counts, bilirubin levels, and liver function tests prompted magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which revealed dilated bile ducts and acute cholecystitis. Following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), significant hemobilia was observed, raising suspicions of cholangiocarcinoma. Despite extensive investigations, including CT angiography, MRCP, and repeat ERCPs, no malignancy was detected. Remarkably, the CA 19-9 level was elevated to 904 U/mL after the initial ERCP and uptrended to 7380 U/mL. These levels, however, normalized to 13 U/mL within two weeks of discharge. While CA 19-9 is a valuable marker in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, its elevation in benign pancreaticobiliary conditions necessitates cautious interpretation. In our case, choledocolithasis, cholangitis, and biliary manipulation appeared to have contributed to a transiently elevated CA 19-9. Clinicians must consider the entire clinical context when evaluating elevated CA 19-9 levels to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient management.
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Biliary cysts are relatively uncommon and they can be congenital or acquired and can have various presentations such as cholelithiasis, cholangitis, jaundice, and pancreatitis. Biliary cysts are associated with a high risk of biliary cancers and such risk increases with age. Identification of biliary cysts warrants an aggressive approach to lower cancer risk. Surgical management has a high success rate and it lowers morbidity, mortality, and cancer risk. We present a 40-year-old female who had a cholecystectomy in 2016. She presented with obstructive jaundice and was found to have a class I biliary cyst. She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stenting which led to complete resolution of her symptoms. Later, she underwent elective Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with cyst resection three months later. She underwent a successful recovery.
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Background and objectives Propofol-based sedation is one of the most commonly used methods for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The commonest complications during ERCP are in the form of adverse cardiopulmonary events as a result of sedation. Etomidate has a more stable cardiovascular and respiratory profile than propofol and has been used for sedation in simple gastrointestinal endoscopy but has not been studied for procedural sedation in ERCP. The objective of the present study was to compare the safety and feasibility of etomidate and propofol for sedation during ERCP procedures. Methods This single-center, randomized trial included 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I to II patients who were scheduled for ERCP. All patients received midazolam 0.02 mg/kg, lignocaine (2%) 1 mg/kg, and fentanyl 1 µg/kg intravenously, followed by etomidate or propofol according to the group allocation. The primary outcome was to compare the mean arterial pressure (MAP) at various timepoints between the two groups and secondary outcomes were to compare oxygen saturation, induction and recovery times, and adverse events. Transient hypotension was defined as any decrease in MAP below 60 mmHg or 20% below the baseline. Transient hypoxia was defined as desaturation (saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) <92%) lasting for more than 10 seconds requiring airway intervention. Results Fifty patients were enrolled in each group (Group E: etomidate and Group P: propofol). Transient hypotension occurred in eight (16%) patients in Group P, and two (4%) patients in Group E (P= 0.045). Baseline MAP was comparable between the two groups but was significantly lower in Group P at three timepoints during the study. Nine (18 %) patients in Group P had a transient hypoxic episode, compared to none in Group E (p= 0.006). The induction and recovery times were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Etomidate offers better hemodynamic and respiratory stability than propofol and can be recommended for use during ERCP in ASA I/II patients.
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Acute cholangitis is a well-known biliary tree pathology most often encountered in patients with gallstone disease. When left untreated, acute cholangitis can lead to severe complications, including death. Therefore, identifying and properly treating acute cholangitis is crucial to avoiding such complications. This paper describes an 84-year-old female patient with acute cholangitis who presented with atypical symptoms of chest pain and cough. The patient was successfully treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), antibiotics, and ursodeoxycholic acid. We focus on this patient's unique presentation to highlight the low incidence of Charcot's triad and Reynold's pentad in elderly patients and to emphasize the importance of formulating a broad differential in patients with non-specific symptoms.
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Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm (CAP) is usually seen as a complication of cholecystectomy. Infrequently, CAP can develop in the setting of cholecystitis and can present as hemobilia when the aneurysm ruptures. Here, we present the case of an 88-year-old male with hemobilia secondary to CAP which was successfully managed by embolization after an initial biliary stent placement.
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Bile reflux is a pathological retrograde flow of bile into the stomach that may lead to gastric overdistension and gastritis. It generally manifests as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn. Hiccups have thus far not been described as part of its presentation. Here, we describe a case of excessive post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography bile accumulation in the stomach that caused persistent hiccups requiring endoscopic suctioning.
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Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are a spectrum of benign to malignant epithelial neoplasms that are characterized by papillary proliferation, duct dilation, and cyst formation. A rare complication of IPMNs is fistula formation into adjacent organs such as the duodenum, biliary system, and stomach. Here, we report a case of IPMN with a pancreaticobiliary fistula and pancreaticogastric fistula. An 84-year-old woman with early Alzheimer's disease was diagnosed with IPMN of the pancreas. She deferred surgery given her age and remained asymptomatic for five years until presenting with cholangitis. She had been further evaluated and was found to have a pancreaticobiliary fistula, which was treated with biliary stent placement. Her subsequent admission involved the formation of a new pancreaticogastric fistula. This case highlights potential complications of excess mucin production from unresected IPMNs and demonstrates a guarded prognosis in elderly patients.
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Background Acute ascending cholangitis is a life-threatening infection due to biliary obstruction. Decompression via endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) or interventional radiologic (IR) drainage controls the source of the sepsis. Numerous studies have been published with conflicting data on whether earlier drainage affects morbidity and mortality. We sought to publish our experience at two Las Vegas community hospitals. Methods After IRB approval, over 4000 inpatient non-elective ERCs were analyzed between 2010 and 2019. Six-hundred and twenty-five patients met the 2018 Tokyo criteria for a "definitive diagnosis" of acute ascending cholangitis. A univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors significantly associated with length of stay and mortality. Results On univariate analysis, patients who had drainage conducted within 24 hours had significantly shorter lengths of stay (p = 0.0012 95% CI [-88.1 to -21.8 hrs]), higher mean diastolic blood pressure (p=0.0029 95% CI [1.03 to 5.01 mm Hg]), and lower mean maximum temperature (p=0.0001 95% CI [-0.842 to -0.382 oC]) when compared to patients who underwent decompression more than 24 hours after admission. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality between patients who underwent decompression within 24 hours of admission versus patients who underwent decompression beyond 24 hours of admission. On multivariate analysis, earlier decompression reduced the length of stay for patients with mild (p<0.0001), moderate (p<0.0001), and severe cholangitis (p=0.0023). Mortality was significantly associated with the worsening severity of the cholangitis (moderate [p=0.0001] and severe [p<0.0001], but not mild disease) and the use of vasopressors. Conclusions Timely biliary decompression within 24 hours of admission significantly reduces the length of stay, pyrexia, and hemodynamic abnormalities. In addition, our data corroborate the 2018 Tokyo guidelines that correlate the severity of cholangitis with mortality.
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Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital malformation that can present itself with comparable symptoms as any case of cholelithiasis. We present a case of a 76-year-old male patient without any medical background of significance who presented at the ER complaining of sudden abdominal pain that started two hours prior to his arrival. Laboratory tests were ordered and an increase in total bilirubin was noted, showing a cholestatic pattern. An abdominal ultrasound was performed where the gallbladder could not be found; therefore, an abdominal CT and an MRI were ordered, which later confirmed gallbladder agenesis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was then performed with sphincterotomy and the patient was discharged 24 hours later without any complications noted. Gallbladder agenesis is a rare but important diagnosis that general surgeons must have in their diagnostic repertoire because of its ability to mimic acute cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. The objective of this report is to summarize the principal details of this entity.
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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.
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Background It has been shown that the incidence of venous air embolism and venous carbon dioxide (CO2) embolism is high during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We examined insufflating gas flow and maximum pressure produced by three types of commonly used endoscopes because we could not readily locate technical data for endoscope gas flow and maximum emitted pressure in the manufacturer's manuals. Methods We tested the Olympus GIF-Q180 used for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the CF-Q180 used for colonoscopy, and the TJF-Q180 used for ERCP (Olympus America Inc., Center Valley, Pennsylvania). Under three different clinical gas insufflation scenarios, we measured in vitro maximum gas pressure transduced from a closed space created at the endoscope tip in a worst-case scenario analysis. Results We showed that it is readily possible to generate a pressure (>5-30 times normal central venous pressure) in the air space at the tip of all three endoscopes when insufflation is activated and the gas egress is limited. Conclusions These findings shed additional light on in vivo occurrences of gas embolism during gastrointestinal endoscopy. We postulate that in addition to using exclusively CO2 as the insufflating gas, the risk of gas embolism can be further diminished by regulating insufflating gas pressure at the tip of endoscopes.
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Background and objective Patients with suspected malignant biliary strictures frequently undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based brush cytology and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for establishing the diagnosis. The outcomes of these tests aid in the further management of the patient. A comparison of these two modalities in establishing the diagnosis is seldom reported. In light of this, we aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy between ERCP-based brush cytology and EUS-FNA for tissue diagnosis in malignant biliary obstruction. Our study involved a retrospective audit of all patients admitted to the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre for EUS and ERCP from 2015 to 2019. Methodology A Comparative study was conducted in the Department of Medical Gastroenterology at the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre over a five-year period. A total of 77 subjects who presented during the study period with biliary obstruction based on clinical presentation with altered liver function test in an obstructive pattern and evidence of biliary obstruction in the form of stricture or pancreaticobiliary mass on cross-sectional imaging were included in the study. All the patients included in the study underwent EUS and ERCP. Results The majority of the patients in the study were in the fifth decade of life with a slight female predominance. The most common CT finding was a periampullary mass with common bile duct (CBD) stricture (59.7%). In the study, EUS-FNA was more sensitive than ERCP-based tissue sampling. The overall sensitivity was 90.63% for EUS-FNA and 65.63% for ERCP sampling. EUS-FNA was found to have diagnostic accuracy of 92.63% in comparison to 71.43% for brush cytology. Conclusions Based on our findings, EUS-FNA is superior to ERCP-based tissue sampling with excellent sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. Performing EUS before ERCP in all patients with suspected malignant biliary obstruction would definitely improve diagnostic accuracy and thereby help in the management of such cases.
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We present a case of a 30-year-old-patient, previously fit and well, with abdominal pain radiating to the back for a day. Computerized tomography scan of abdomen and pelvis showed gall bladder calculi and distal common bile duct (CBD) stones. Lab tests showed raised inflammatory markers including high amylase level, so she was treated for gallstones-induced pancreatitis. The patient underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and was discharged. She presented to hospital the next day with severe central chest pain. ST segment elevation was detected on her electrocardiogram in inferolateral leads and ST segment depression in anterior leads. Her echocardiogram showed apical ballooning and blood tests showed elevated troponin T levels. The patient was given aspirin 300 mg and ticagrelor 180 mg stat, and morphine 5 mg intravenously. She also underwent coronary angiogram, which turned out to be normal. The patient was treated for ERCP-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) and was treated with fluids and antibiotics. She made complete recovery and was discharged home with outpatient follow up.