Duplication of the common bile duct manifesting as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Duplication of the extrahepatic bile duct (DCBD) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the biliary system. There are five types of DCBD according to the latest classification. Among them, Type V is characterized by single drainage of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Reports on DCBD Type V are scarce. CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old woman presented with recurrent epigastric pain but without fever or chills. Computed tomography revealed a dilated common bile duct (CBD) that harboured multiple choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) was performed, and the stones were extracted using a Dormia basket. She was discharged without any complications; however, she visited the emergency department a day after she was discharged due to epigastric pain and fever. Laboratory findings were suggestive of cholestasis. After urgent ERCP for stone removal, magnetic resonance cholangiopancrea-tography was performed to evaluate remnant choledocholithiasis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a DCBD Type Va and remnant choledocholithiasis in the right CBD. Both CBDs were accessed, and the stones were cleared successfully during a subsequent ERCP. CONCLUSION In this article, we report an extremely rare case of DCBD manifesting as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing DCBD because stones in the unrecognized bile duct could make the patient's prognosis critical.

Automated summary

Duplication of the extrahepatic bile duct (DCBD) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly with five types, among which Type V is characterized by single drainage of the extrahepatic bile ducts. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing DCBD, as stones in the unrecognized bile duct could have critical consequences for the patient's prognosis. In this case, a patient with DCBD Type Va and remnant choledocholithiasis was successfully treated with ERCP and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.