Acute pancreatitis associated with congenital cyst of the common bile duct

Pediatric types I and VI choledochal cysts complicated with acute pancreatitis and spontaneous perforation: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Choledochal cysts are a congenital disorder of the common bile duct that can cause progressive biliary obstruction and biliary cirrhosis. They were classified by Todani into five types. Of these, type VI choledochal cysts are rarely reported in the literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 22-month-old girl presented with intermittent epigastralgia for approximately 10 days and fever for three days. Fasting and total parenteral nutrition were administered after admission. However, sudden onset of severe epigastric pain occurred. An abdominal sonogram showed turbid ascites and peritonitis was impressed.

DIAGNOSES

An emergent exploratory laparotomy was performed, and perforation of the posterior wall of types I and VI choledochal cysts was observed.

INTERVENTIONS

Intraoperative cholangiography revealed concomitant types I and VI choledochal cysts with stricture of the distal common bile duct. Definite surgery for resection of the choledochal cysts and gallbladder was performed with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy.

OUTCOMES

The patient had no evidence of ascending cholangitis at three years after the operation.

LESSONS

Type VI choledochal cysts are rarely reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pediatric case of concomitant types I and VI choledochal cysts complicated with acute pancreatitis and spontaneous perforation.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a useful preoperative management for refractory pancreatitis associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is commonly treated nonoperatively before surgery. It is, however, sometimes uncontrollable, and little has been reported about the management.

METHODS

Focusing on the preoperative management, we reviewed clinical courses of 4 PBM cases (ages 1 to 7 years old). Each had pancreatitis that was totally resistant to medical treatment and was applied endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES).

RESULTS

The first case underwent percutaneous transhepatic catheter drainage (PTCD) primarily. In spite of daily lavage using the drainage tube for a week, plugs located in the common channel were not removed, and clinical findings were not improved. Therefore, ES followed by removal of protein plugs was performed to improve pancreatitis dramatically. Through this experience, 3 subsequent cases with refractory pancreatitis all underwent successful ES primarily soon after the medical treatments turned out to be ineffective. In all 4 cases, protein plugs were impacted in common channels, and ES could successfully remove the plugs that were impossible to remove by using PTCD. Improved preoperative pancreaticobiliary decompression by ES shortens the duration of recalcitrant acute pancreatitis associated with PBM allowing for a subsequent safe operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is one of the useful preoperative managements for refractory pancreatitis associated with PBM.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is under appreciated during childhood although its diagnosis is simple and management straightforward in most cases. There is a range of possible causes, which is quite different to the situation in adults. The commonest underlying problems are probably structural abnormalities of the pancreatic and biliary ducts such as choledochal malformation, common pancreatobiliary channel and pancreas divisum. Other causes, which can be important in certain groups and geographical areas, are those due to drug reactions, viral infection and parasitic infestation, and blunt abdominal trauma. The diagnosis is established by showing a significantly raised plasma amylase level. Other diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scanning and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have a major role in determining possible underlying causes, and hence selecting out those who require definitive corrective surgery. The pathophysiology of pancreatitis remains to be fully elucidated and, in the acute phase can affect other organs such as the renal and respiratory systems. Later complications include sepsis, pancreatic abscess and typically pseudocyst formation. Most of these can be treated using minimally invasive techniques such as percutaneous aspiration although open surgical techniques such as cystgastrostomy may be required in a few.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in children with recurrent pancreatitis and anomalous pancreaticobiliary union: an etiologic concept

BACKGROUND

The exact cause of recurrent pancreatitis among patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary union is not known. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction has been implicated as a mechanism. This study evaluated sphincter of Oddi function in children with anomalous pancreaticobiliary union and recurrent pancreatitis and assessed the results of endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of this condition.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 128 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic (ERCP) studies performed on children older than 1 year and adolescents with pancreaticobiliary disease. In 64 instances, ERCP was performed because of recurrent pancreatitis. Nine patients underwent sphincter of Oddi manometry followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy, and these patients were included in this study. A basal pressure greater than 35 mm Hg was considered diagnostic for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Follow-up data were obtained retrospectively from the patients' relatives and referring physicians.

RESULTS

An anomalous pancreaticobiliary union was found in 18 of 64 (28%) patients with recurrent pancreatitis. The 9 patients who underwent sphincter manometry and endoscopic sphincterotomy were 5 girls and 4 boys 2.9 to 17 years of age (mean 7.8 years). A choledochal cyst was found in 7 of these 9 patients. Two patients had anomalous pancreaticobiliary union without common bile duct dilatation. All 9 patients had sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (mean basal pressure 96 +/- 37.8 mm Hg, range 48 to 156 mm Hg). The length of the common channel was 22.8 +/- 5.5 mm, and the length of the sphincter of Oddi segment was 12.1 +/- 1.9 mm (p < 0.001). In all patients the sphincter of Oddi segment was located within the duodenal wall. The mean follow-up period after endoscopic sphincterotomy was 26.4 months (range 18 to 38 months). Eight patients had excellent results defined as absence of symptoms and no subsequent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Treatment of 1 patient was considered moderately successful because the patient still had occasional pain without pancreatic enzyme elevation but no subsequent episodes of acute pancreatitis. One patient had mild postprocedural pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent pancreatitis and anomalous pancreaticobiliary union are associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in children and adolescents. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is beneficial to these patients.

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction-associated pancreatitis: an experimental study on the activation of pancreatic phospholipase A2

Congenital dilatation of the bile duct (CDBD), or choledochalcyst, is often complicated by recurrent pancreatitis. Reflux of pancreatic juice into the bile duct through pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), an anomaly commonly associated with CDBD, and ensuing activation of pancreatic enzymes could be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of recurrent pancreatitis. A study was undertaken to follow the time course of the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in animal models of PBM. The assay procedures for PLA2 were evaluated, as were the conditions for separating the active enzyme from its inactive proenzyme (pro-PLA2) by immunoblotting. A rat model was designed according to Block's method with some modifications. The kinetics of prophospholipase A2 (proPLA2) activation in bile was examined by measuring PLA2 activity and by immunoblotting using anti-rat pancreatic enzyme antibody after separating PLA2 from its zymogen under nonreducing conditions. Experimental animals were divided into three groups: group 1 (PBM group) in which bile and pancreatic juice were mixed with occlusion of the papilla; group 2, in which the papilla and hepatic hillus were occluded without mixing the two juices; and group 3, in which simple laparotomy was done. In group 1 animals, pro-PLA2 in bile was activated to its active form. In group 2 animals, where proPLA2 was predominant, there was only slight elevation of PLA2 activity in bile. In group 1 an immunohistologic study demonstrated localization of PLA2 around necrotic foci in the pancreatic parenchyma. These results suggest the involvement of activated PLA2 in the pathogenesis of choledochal cystassociated pancreatitis.

Biliary amylase and congenital choledochal dilatation

The relationship between levels of biliary amylase measured at operation and clinical features was studied in a series of 55 children with congenital biliary dilatation (choledochal cyst) who presented between 1976 and 1993. There were 36 cystic and 19 fusiforms dilatations in the series. The most common modes of presentation were painless jaundice (n = 23) and pancreatitis (n = 22). Five infants presented with abnormal antenatal ultrasound examinations. Children with pancreatitis were older than those with painless jaundice (4.2 versus 1.5 years; P = .005), and a higher proportion had raised levels of biliary amylase (100% versus 44%; P < .0001). There was no difference in the age at presentation (P = .32), clinical mode of presentation (P = .3), or the level of biliary amylase (P = .25) between cystic and fusiform dilatations. A correlation was found between age at surgery and biliary amylase in the cystic (rs = 0.55; P = .001) but not in the fusiform group (P = .22). All infants with antenatal diagnoses were cystic dilatations. Choledochal cystic dilatations that were diagnosed antenatally did not have significant amylase reflux, suggesting that the aetiology of this subgroup is truly congenital. Children who present at a later age with pancreatitis invariably have high levels of biliary amylase, which is presumed to occur because of a common channel and reflux of biliary and pancreatic secretions.

The role of ERCP in the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis in children and adolescents

ERCP was performed in 51 patients, aged 1 to 18 years, as part of diagnostic evaluation for recurrent pancreatitis without obvious cause or as therapeutic intervention. ERCP was successful in 50 patients (98%). Thirty-four patients (68%) had anatomic findings indicating a possible cause of recurrent pancreatitis. Three patients (6%) had findings suggestive of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Eighteen of the 37 patients (49%) with ductal abnormalities underwent endoscopic therapy, with a favorable outcome in 15 (83%). Eleven patients were treated surgically, and 8 of these patients (73%) improved symptomatically. Eight patients received no treatment, and 6 of them (67%) had recurrent bouts of clinical pancreatitis. One mild case of pancreatitis (1.9%) occurred after ERCP, and 3 mild cases followed endoscopic therapy. In conclusion, ERCP is a relatively safe technique that produces opacification of the desired ductal system with a high degree of accuracy and provides useful information in the evaluation of children with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. These data suggest that endoscopic pancreatic therapy may result in symptomatic improvement, eliminating the need for surgery in selected children. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that manipulation of the pancreatic duct is comparatively safe and less hazardous than formerly believed.

Pancreatitis and anomalous union of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system in childhood

From January 1978 to December 1989, 48 patients were diagnosed as having anomalous union of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system (AUPBD) at the Second Department of Surgery, Kanazawa University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals. Among these 48 patients, 13 (28.1%) were children under 13 years of age. Four of these patients had acute pancreatitis. The clinical, radiological, and surgical features of these patients are presented. The chief presenting complaint was epigastric pain in all cases; three patients had recurrent episodes of epigastric pain and had been diagnosed as having autotoxicosis. AUPBD was clearly demonstrated in all patients, three by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and one by operative cholangiography. At operation, macroscopic evidence of pancreatitis was recognized in all cases. In one case, roentogenolucent pancreaticolithiases were seen on ERCP. We consider AUPBD as an important cause of pancreatitis in children and advocate ERCP in children who are suspected having biliary tract or pancreatic disease. The diagnosis of AUPBD should be considered when children with abdominal pain and elevated serum or urinary amylase levels are evaluated.

The modified Puestow procedure for chronic relapsing pancreatitis in children

Chronic relapsing pancreatitis in children is an unusual condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated for years. In light of recent reports in adults that endocrine and exocrine function may be preserved by early pancreaticojejunostomy, we reviewed our experience with this procedure (one Duval, 10 Puestows) in 10 children between 1969 and 1989. The underlying etiology was familial pancreatitis in four patients, one case of unknown etiology, congenital ductal anomalies in four (one pancreas divisum, one annular pancreas, one choledochal cyst, and one ductal stenosis), and posttraumatic in one. All 10 had intractable recurrent abdominal pain. Preoperatively, only three patients evidenced exocrine insufficiency and none had endocrine insufficiency. There was complete resolution of pain in eight patients and improvement in two during a mean observation period of 4 years (range, 7 months to 19.75 years). Exocrine insufficiency resolved in two patients but has persisted in the third patient now on Viokase. Endocrine insufficiency has developed during follow-up in one patient. Pancreaticojejunostomy provides excellent relief of recurrent pain in chronic relapsing pancreatitis in children. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is indicated when the diagnosis of chronic relapsing pancreatitis is suspected to define the ductal anatomy. Pancreaticojejunostomy may prevent the progression of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency if performed early in the course of the disease.

Pseudopancreatitis in choledochal cyst in children: intraoperative study of amylase levels in the serum

A case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in association with choledochal cyst is presented. Pancreatitis associated with choledochal cyst is probably caused by a biliary reflux into the pancreatic duct via a pancreatobiliary malunion, as the intraductal pressure of the cyst exceeds that of the pancreatic duct. Ampullar stenosis due to gallstones or inflammatory changes may increase the intraductal pressure. Bile with activated pancreatic enzymes refluxes into the pancreatic duct, and possibly results in acute pancreatitis. However, patients with choledochal cyst presenting with recurrent bouts of abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever have often been diagnosed as having acute pancreatitis because of hyperamylasemia, despite no evidence of pancreatitis at the time of surgery. At the time of bouts, they also show a slight elevation of serum bilirubin, and an increase in the degree of the choledochal dilatation that are possibly caused by biliary obstruction, not ampullar obstruction, due to suppurative cholangitis. The term "fictitious pancreatitis" or "pseudopancreatitis" in choledochal cyst appears to be appropriate. This clinical study shows that amylase in the biliary tract has ready access to the blood stream, probably through a sinusoidal pathway by cholangiovenous reflux, and a lymphatic pathway, via the Disse's space and denuded cyst wall, provided the biliary ductal pressure is increased.

Acute pancreatitis: the difficulties of diagnosis and therapy

Acute pancreatitis in children is uncommon but is being recognized frequently. Twenty-four children provided clinical data to review the various manifestations and therapy of acute pancreatitis, all of these patients having survived a clinical episode. Recognition of acute pancreatitis has been improved by the advent of new diagnostic procedures such as serum amylase isoenzymes, amylase/creatinine ratio, ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, and peritoneal lavage. The causative factors in our series were: trauma, biliary disease,, viral (mumps), and steroid therapy. Treatment of acute pancreatitis was nonsurgical unless a specific surgical lesion was present.

PANCREATITIS IN CHILDHOOD: EXPERIENCE WITH 15 CASES

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