A case of bronchobiliary fistula in the setting of adult polycystic kidney and liver disease, with a review of the literature

Clin Nucl Med. 2005 May;30(5):326-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rlu.0000159674.33299.eb.

Abstract

A case of bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) was demonstrated in the setting of polycystic kidney and liver disease (PCKLD) by hepatobiliary scintigraphy. High-resolution noncontrast computed tomography through the liver showed a polycystic liver. A calcified cyst adjacent to the dome of the liver appeared to have a fistulous connection with the lung on coronal reconstructions. Hepatobiliary scan confirmed the fistulous connection. In a review of the literature, BBF has been associated with hydatid cyst disease, trauma, postsurgical states, and malignancy. As demonstrated by this case, BBF is difficult to diagnose and requires a high clinical index of suspicion. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy is the imaging modality of choice to confirm BBF, and PCKLD should be added to the list of antecedent etiologies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biliary Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Biliary Fistula / etiology
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchial Fistula / etiology
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / complications
  • Liver Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Polycystic Kidney Diseases / complications
  • Polycystic Kidney Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radionuclide Imaging