Portal vein cannulation: an uncommon complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Portal vein cannulation is a rare complication of endo-scopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).It has been reported that it usually occurs after endo-scopic sphincterotomy,whereas in cases without prior sphincterotomy,the presence of portobiliary fistulas has been shown.Here,we present a case in which cannulation of the portal vein occurred despite careful wire-guided cannulation and the absence of sphinc-terotomy.Although fatal cases of cerebral and pulmo-nary air and/or bile embolism have been re...