Choledochoduodenal fistula after biliary placement of a self-expanding metallic stent for palliation of pancreatic cancer

Peptic ulcer disease complicated with choledocho-duodenal fistula and gastro-intestinal bleeding: a case report and review of the literature

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a very common condition, with an annual incidence ranging from 0.1% to 0.3% and a lifetime prevalence ranging from 5% to 10%. If not treated, it can lead to severe complications such as gastro-intestinal bleeding, perforation, or entero-biliary fistula. Entero-biliary fistulas and especially choledocho-duodenal fistula (CDF) are a rare, but relevant and important diagnosis, which can lead to several complications such as gastric outlet obstruction, bleeding, perforation, or recurrent cholangitis. In this article, we present the case of an 85-year-old woman with PUD complicated with gastro-intestinal bleeding and a CDF. We also performed a review of the literature to search for pre-existing cases with this atypical clinical presentation. The aim was to raise awareness among surgeons and clinicians by offering a summary of different types of entero-biliary and especially CDF, existing diagnostic investigations, and management.

Choledochoduodenal Fistula during Chemotherapy with Brentuximab Vedotin for Methotrexate-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder

We herein report a patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate, which caused methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder and obstructive jaundice due to an enlarged lymph node. The obstructive jaundice was treated with endoscopic biliary stenting. A histopathological examination revealed features of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chemotherapy with brentuximab vedotin was administered. Cholangiography and duodenoscopy after four rounds of chemotherapy revealed a choledochoduodenal fistula that developed in response to chemotherapy. It should be noted that, in cases of lymphoma infiltrating the gastrointestinal wall, fistulae can occur because of rapid regression due to regimens comprising monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab and brentuximab vedotin.

Choledochoduodenal Fistula after the Placement of a Partially Covered Metal Stent for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

A 75-year-old Japanese man with type 2 diabetes mellitus suffered from unresectable pancreatic head cancer and was admitted to our institution due to acute cholangitis. A partially covered metal stent was placed at that time. 11 months later, he was readmitted for acute cholangitis. Upper endoscopy revealed complete stent distal migration and a small hole on the oral side of the ampulla. While attempting cannulation into the hole, an upstream biliary tract was revealed. Accordingly, we diagnosed the patient to have a choledochoduodenal fistula. After metal stent removal and balloon dilation, we placed two 7 Fr plastic stents, which successfully relieved the patient's cholangitis.

Choledochoduodenal fistula in Mainland China: a review of epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and management

Purpose

Choledochoduodenal fistula (CDF) is an extremely rare condition even in the most populous nations. However, diagnostic tools are inadequate for the young surgeon to be made aware of such a rare condition before surgery. Hence, basic understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, and management for this unusual but discoverable condition are necessary and essential.

Methods

The exclusive case reports of CDF, which were published from 1983 to 2014 concerning mainland Chinese people, were performed to review the epidemiology, etiology, and management.

Results

A total of 728 cases were incorporated into this review among 48 papers. More than half of the CDF cases were female (416) with an average age of 57.3 years. CDF was usually caused by cholelithiasis (573 of 728). Epigastric pain (589 of 728) and cholangitis (395 of 728) were the most common symptoms of CDF. CDF was usually detected and confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (475 of 728) in Mainland China. The fistulas larger than 1 cm (82 of 654) were recommended for surgical biliary reconstruction. Fistulas between 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm (467 of 654) which were followed frequently by cholangitis attacks also required surgery; the rest were recommended to have stone removal and/or the application of an effective biliary drainage. Fistulas less than 0.5 cm (105 of 654) were usually received conservative therapy.

Conclusion

CDF should be considered in differential diagnosis of recurrent epigastric pain and cholangitis. A possible ERCP should be arranged to investigate carefully. Depending on the size of fistula and clinical presentation, different programs for CDF are indicated, ranging from drug therapy to choledochojejunostomy.