Spontaneous common hepatic duct perforation in a child: A rare case report

Spontaneous or idiopathic bile duct perforation is rare, mostly seen in children from 25 weeks of gestation to 7 years of age, with the confluence of cystic duct and common hepatic duct (CHD) being the most common site. The exact aetiopathogenesis remains elusive and poorly understood, leading to a lack of consensus on its optimal management. The condition is often diagnosed intraoperatively. We present a case of spontaneous perforation of the CHD in a boy in his middle childhood, alongside a review of relevant literature. The patient presented with acute abdomen and pyobiliary peritonitis, for which a hollow viscus perforation was suspected. An emergent laparotomy revealed a 0.5 cm CHD perforation. Surgical intervention involved T-tube insertion and drainage, leading to a successful recovery. This case underscores the challenge of preoperative diagnosis, necessitating prompt exploration after initial resuscitation. There is a need for clinical vigilance and tailored surgical approaches.

show abstract

Spontaneous perforation of common hepatic duct: an intraoperative surprise

Kerkeni

Thamri

Zouaoui

et al. 2022

Ann Pediatr Surg

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Pediatric spontaneous bile duct perforation is one of the rare causes of acute abdomen in infants. With a highly variable presentation, diagnosis and treatment can prove challenging. We report a case of spontaneous common hepatic duct perforation mistaken for appendicular peritonitis. Case presentation An otherwise healthy 3-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, distention, bilious vomiting, and fever evolving for 4 days. Preoperative ultrasound was suggestive of appendicular peritonitis. Laparotomy revealed abundant biliary fluid, a distended gallbladder with thickened and inflammatory wall, and a macroscopically normal appendix. Intraoperative cholangiography showed a leak of contrast from the anterior wall of the common hepatic duct, 2–3 mm below the upper biliary confluence and 2 cm above the junction of the cystic duct to the common hepatic duct. A cholecystostomy was performed, and two external intraabdominal drains were placed. A retrograde cholangiogram was performed on postoperative day 21 showing no extravasation of contrast product. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 25. Conclusion Spontaneous perforation of the common hepatic duct is a rare phenomenon. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients that present with unexplained peritonitis. The optimal method of diagnosis and management remains controversial.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Spontaneous common hepatic duct perforation in a child: A rare case report

Cited by 4 publications

References 9 publications

Total laparoscopic management of spontaneous biliary perforation

Total laparoscopic management of spontaneous biliary perforation

Spontaneous perforation of the common hepatic duct in a child: an unexpected intraoperative encounter

Spontaneous perforation of common hepatic duct: an intraoperative surprise

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About