Post-traumatic bronchobiliary fistulas (BBF) are extremely rare with high morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate and timely diagnosis of these entities is critical for appropriate treatment, which usually requires a multidisciplinary approach. We describe two post-traumatic cases using a multimodality approach including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and hepatobiliary scintigraphy with specific emphasis on the imaging features for each modality. Management of hepatobiliary fistulas is complex, involving extensive diagnostic work up followed by a conservative and/or surgical approach.
Post-traumatic bronchobiliary fistulas (BBF) are extremely rare with high morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate and timely diagnosis of these entities is critical for appropriate treatment, which usually requires a multidisciplinary approach. We describe two post-traumatic cases using a multimodality approach including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and hepatobiliary scintigraphy with specific emphasis on the imaging features for each modality.
Post-traumatic bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare entity, with only a few cases reported worldwide. Bilioptysis is pathognomonic of the condition, however, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage along with CT are used for confirmation. We describe this condition in a young woman who presented to us with bilioptysis following a laparotomy for blunt torso trauma.
Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare and challenging condition that most commonly presents worldwide following infection with hydatid cystic disease of the liver but is increasingly seen in cases of trauma involving the right upper quadrant. The most common presenting complaint is biliptysis. Treatment is initially aimed at decompressing the biliary tree which allows a considered approach for closure of the fistulous tract.
Background: This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with complex or persistent thoracobiliary fistulae following penetrating liver trauma, who underwent endoscopic biliary intervention at a tertiary referral centre.
Methods: All patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and endoscopic biliary intervention for traumatic thoracobiliary fistulae between 1992 and 2008 were evaluated. Bile duct injuries were classified according to their biliary anatomic location on cholangiography and type of pulmonary communication.
Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare condition that has been usually treated surgically. We report successful resolution of a rare case of combined bronchobiliary and biliocutaneous fistula by prolonged endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage. The patient developed these fistulae following right hepatectomy for blunt trauma to the abdomen.
