Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2004 Sep;7(2):284-288.

A Case of Spontaneous Perforation of the Common Bile Duct in Infant

• Nam KS
• Kim JM
• Chung KS
• Han SJ

Abstract

Spontaneous perforation of the biliary duct is a rare disease that must be treated immediately when diagnosed in infancy. This disease must be suspected in a previously healthy infant who suddenly has abdominal distension, ascites, and intermittent jaundice. The best way to diagnose the leakage of bile in a clinically stable infant is to use radionuclide hepatobiliary scan. In most cases, however, the diagnosis of the perforation of common bile duct is frequently made during the procedure of operative cholangiogram. The prognosis is usually good with early diagnosis. We experienced an infant of 4 months of age who presented with sudden abdominal distension, jaundice and acholic stool, and confirmed the diagnosis of perforation of common bile duct through operative cholangiogram with t-tube insertion. We report a case of spontaneous perforation in an infant with review of the literatures.

Keyword

Spontaneous perforation; Bile duct; Infant

MeSH Terms

Ascites
Bile
Bile Ducts
Common Bile Duct*
Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Infant*
Jaundice
Prognosis
Rare Diseases