Work

Early Spontaneous Common Bile Duct Perforation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Non-iatrogenic, non-traumatic common bile duct (CBD) perforation is a rare finding in the adult population and is more commonly reported in the pediatric population. Etiologies of CBD perforation in adults include traumatic injury, increased intraductal pressure due to choledocholithiasis, and biliary duct necrosis from underlying inflammation such as chronic pancreatitis. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman who initially presented with acute perforated cholecystitis with pancreatitis with intra-operative findings of a CBD perforation, which is not well-described in the literature. Management included endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with CBD stent placement and delayed cholecystectomy. This case is notable for the short period of symptoms prior to perforation and highlights the need for a higher degree of suspicion for alternative diagnoses when confronted with perforated cholecystitis.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103292

Authors: Eugenia Yoo, Alana M Hofmann, Ralph C Quillin, Christopher B Horn

Institutions: University of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, United States Air Force

Language: English

Topic: Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: U.S. Department of Defense, Australian Government, Defense Health Agency