Duodenal Perforation Secondary to Placement of a Biliary Endoprosthesis Diagnosed by Multislice Computed Tomography

Duodenal perforation secondary to an endoscopically placed biliary endoprosthesis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. We report the case of a patient with cholangiocarcinoma in whom a biliary plastic endoprosthesis was used for palliation.

A 53-year-old man underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) due to progressive jaundice. After sphincterotomy a 15 mm long high-grade stenosis of the common bile duct - a finding indicating a likely cholangiocarcinoma - was treated by means of a 9 cm, 7-F plastic endoprosthesis (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). About 3 cm of the endoprosthesis remained in the duodenal lumen since the endoprosthesis could not be pushed more proximally.

The patient developed ERCP-related pancreatitis on the day of the ERCP. His symptoms improved during the following day, but 2 days later he complained of abdominal pain with rebound in the right lower quadrant. Physical examination disclosed signs of peritoneal irritation. A multislice computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a retroperitoneal perforation, with the distal tip of the endoprosthesis outside the duodenum (Figure [1]). The liver showed multiple inhomogeneous areas indicating liver metastases of the likely cholangiocarcinoma.

Figure 1 Multislice computed tomography scan in the coronal plane showing the tip of the endoprosthesis perforating the duodenal wall (arrow). Distally, free fluid and air can be seen

The perforation was confirmed (Figure [2]), and secondary biliary peritonitis due to rupture of the ascending mesocolon was found at surgery. The endoprosthesis was replaced by nasobiliary drainage and the perforation was closed. Biopsies, which later revealed adenocarcinoma, were taken from metastases in the liver. The nasobiliary drain was replaced by a self-expanding metal endoprosthesis. The patient died 7 months later.

Figure 2 Operative view: the distal tip of the endoprosthesis has perforated the duodenum

Duodenal perforation secondary to placement of a biliary endoprosthesis should be considered in all patients presenting with abdominal pain after such a placement. A multislice CT scan can provide an exact diagnosis of this complication. In the case of a localized process, the treatment of choice is endoscopic removal of the endoprosthesis [2] [3] [5]. Surgery should be reserved for patients with peritonitis, or extensive retroperitoneal phlegmon [1] [4].

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