Hemobilia Caused by Arterioportal Fistula Following Percutaneous Liver Biopsy Complicated by Acute Cholecystitis and Review of the Literature

Curr Health Sci J. 2022 Apr-Jun;48(2):235-241. doi: 10.12865/CHSJ.48.02.15. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Abstract

We present a case of a 44-year-old male with chronic hepatitis B that visited the Emergency Department due to epigastric pain after a liver biopsy. The ultrasonography revealed signs of bleeding in the bile ducts. and angiography visualized an arterioportal fistula. Selective right hepatic artery branch embolization was performed, and the bleeding was controlled. Although, the clinical picture was initially improved, the patient presented later with acute abdomen, obstructive jaundice and fever. The patient underwent cholecystectomy with bile duct exploration and placement of a Kehr's T tube in the common bile duct. The postoperative course was uneventful. We also review the relevant literature concerning arterioportal fistula manifested as hemobilia as well as acute cholecystitis occurring after hemobilia.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal bleeding; hemobilia; hepatic artery; hepatitis; jaundice; portal vein.

Publication types

  • Case Reports