Pseudo-Mirizzi syndrome in acute cholecystitis

Common hepatic duct obstruction secondary to an impacted cystic duct stone is commonly referred to as the Mirizzi syndrome. Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon cause of obstructive jaundice and can be mimicked by several other rare conditions. We describe a patient with a massively distended gallbladder due to acute cholecystitis who presented with clinical and cholangiographic findings simulating the Mirizzi syndrome. Endoscopists should be aware of acute cholecystitis as a possible etiology of common hepatic duct obstruction.     

Mirizzi Syndrome without Cholecystolithiasis

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare cause of biliary symptoms and jaundice. It describes an obstruction of the common hepatic bile duct by external compression caused by an impacted gallstone in the gallbladder neck or cystic duct. This setting is usually associated with cholecystolithiasis. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old caucasian woman with intermittent abdominal pain and newly diagnosed jaundice was admitted to our clinic. An ERC was performed a few weeks earlier because of similar complaints without jaundice. At that time there was no evidence of choledocholithiasis. Now ERC surprisingly showed a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct, leading to an external compression of the common hepatic bile duct (Mirizzi syndrome). Since an endoscopic stone extraction failed, surgical intervention was performed. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed without trans-cystic stone removal. After removal of the bile duct drainage it became evident that the impacted stone was still located in the remaining part of the cystic duct. After successful endoscopic extraction of the impacted stone the patient remained free of symptoms without recurrent jaundice. CONCLUSION: In rare cases Mirizzi syndrome without cholecystolithiasis can cause biliary symptoms. A close interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary in order to guarantee an excellent therapeutic management.     

Mirizzi syndrome in an anomalous cystic duct： A case report

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of gallstone disease, and results in partial obstruction of the common bile duct or a cholecystobiliary fistula. Moreover, congenital anatomical variants of the cystic duct are common, occurring in 18%-23% of cases, but Mirizzi syndrome underlying an anomalous cystic duct is an important clinical consideration. Here, we present an unusual case of type Ⅰ Mirizzi syndrome with an uncommon anomalous cystic duct, namely, a low lateral insertion of the cystic duct with a common sheath of cystic duct and common bile duct.     

Multidisciplinary management of Mirizzi syndrome with cholecystobiliary fistula: the value of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery

Mirizzi syndrome, a rare complication of gallstones, is defined by obstruction of the main bile duct. This obstruction may worsen and thus result in cholecystobiliary fistula. Surgical management of Mirizzi syndrome is complicated by the presence of inflamed tissue around the hepatic pedicle, making it impossible to distinguish between the main bile duct and the gallbladder. The surgeon's first task is to perform subtotal cholecystotomy(from the fundus of the gallbladder to the neck) without trying to locate the cystic duct. In a second step, the gallstones are extracted and the main bile duct is then repaired. In most cases, a T-tube is used to drain the main bile duct, and abdominal drainage is left in place(in case a bile fistula forms). This study concluded that preoperative drainage of the main bile duct in the treatment of Mirizzi syndrome types II and III is feasible and might help to decrease the postoperative complication rate.     

Double‐cannulation and large papillary balloon dilation: Key to successful endoscopic treatment of mirizzi syndrome in low insertion of cystic duct

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare cause of benign biliary obstruction and is often predisposed by low insertion of the cystic duct on the common hepatic duct. Through a case series of three patients, we emphasize the importance of double cannulation (cystic duct and hepatic duct) followed by sphincterotomy and large balloon papillary dilatation for successful endoscopic stone clearance in such patients.     

Carcinoma of the Cystic Duct Mimicking the Mirizzi Syndrome

Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon cause of extrahepatic obstructive jaundice. Originally described as resulting from stone impaction in the cystic duct, several other etiologies that result in findings which mimick the Mirizzi syndrome, have been reported. Carcinoma of the cystic duct, a previously unreported cause, is presented.     

Mirizzi syndrome

Opinion statement Mirizzi syndrome is an important complication of gallstone disease. If not recognized preoperatively, it can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Preoperative diagnosis may be difficult despite the availability of multiple imaging modalities. Ul-trasonography (US), CT, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are common initial tests for suspected Mirizzi syndrome. Typical findings on US suggestive of Mirizzi syndrome are a shrunken gallbladder, impacted stone(s) in the cystic duct, a dilated intrahepatic tree, and common hepatic duct with a normal-sized common bile duct. The main role of CT is to differentiate Mirizzi syndrome from a malignancy in the area of porta hepatis or in the liver. MRI and MRCP are increasingly playing an important role and have the additional advantage of showing the extent of inflammation around the gallbladder that can help in the differentiation of Mirizzi syndrome from other gallbladder pathologies such as gallbladder malignancy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard in the diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome. It delineates the cause, level, and extent of biliary obstruction, as well as ductal abnormalities, including fistula. ERCP also offers a variety of therapeutic options, such as stone extraction and biliary stent placement. Percutaneous cholangiogram can provide information similar to ERCP; however, ERCP has an additional advantage of identifying a low-lying cystic duct that may be missed on percutaneous cholangiogram. Wire-guided intraductal US can provide high-resolution images of the biliary tract and adjacent structures. Treatment is primarily surgical. Open surgery is the current standard for managing patients with Mirizzi syndrome. Good short-and long-term results with low mortality and morbidity have been reported with open surgical management. Laparoscopic management is contraindicated in many patients because of the increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with this approach. Endoscopic treatment may serve as an alternative in patients who are poor surgical candidates, such as elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities. Endoscopic treatment also can serve as a temporizing measure to provide biliary drainage in preparation for an elective surgery.     

Mirizzi's syndrome

A case is described emphasising rare complication of gallstone disease: the Mirizzi syndrome in which an impacted gallstone in the Hartmann's pouch or cystic duct causes common hepatic duct obstruction and by eroding a fistula. Diagnosis is made by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and treatment includes cholecystectomy.     

Mirizzi syndrome secondary to an adenoma of the cystic duct

Bile duct adenomas are uncommon lesions that can cause obstructive jaundice. We report the unusual case of a 54-year-old man who developed Mirizzi syndrome secondary to a bile duct papillary adenoma located in the cystic duct remnant. A case report is presented, together with a review of extrahepatic bile duct adenomas published in the English-language literature, with special attention directed toward the clinical manifestations, locations, and prognosis of these tumors. Bile duct adenomas are very rare tumors. Although cholangiography can detect many of these lesions, few cases were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. Most lesions were located in the distal common bile duct or at the ampulla of Vater. Pathologic examination often revealed foci of carcinoma in situ, dysplasia, or atypia. Local resection was performed in most cases. There were no previous case reports of extrinsic common bile duct obstruction caused by tumors within the cystic duct. We describe here a very rare, acalculous variant of Mirizzi syndrome secondary to a solitary papillary adenoma of the cystic duct. In general, bile duct adenomas are uncommon lesions that are difficult to diagnoses preoperatively. These tumors usually present with jaundice secondary to intraluminal biliary obstruction. These lesions are premalignant and should be managed by complete surgical resection.     

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of gallstones in cystic duct remnants and Mirizzi syndrome

BACKGROUND: Although the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for treatment of bile duct calculi is established, there are few studies of the value of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for cystic duct remnant stones and for Mirizzi syndrome. METHODS: Patients who required extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for cystic duct stones were identified in a cohort of 239 patients with bile duct stones treated by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy between January 1989 and December 2001 at a single institution. The medical records of these patients were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone contact. OBSERVATIONS: Six women (age range 19-85 years) underwent extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for cystic duct stones after failure of endoscopic treatment measures. Three of the patients presented with retained cystic duct remnant calculi (one also had Mirizzi syndrome type I), and 3 presented with Mirizzi syndrome type I. The stones were fragmented successfully by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in all patients; the fragments were extracted endoscopically in 5 patients. Endoscopy plus extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy was definitive treatment for all patients except one who subsequently underwent cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Gallstones in a cystic duct remnant and in Mirizzi syndrome can be successfully treated by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in conjunction with endoscopic measures. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is especially useful when surgery is contraindicated.     

Mirizzi's syndrome must be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of any patients with obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare benign complication of long-standing cholelithiasis and neither diagnostic modality nor clinical feature has a 100% sensitivity and specificity. The objective of our study was to call attention to the importance of this rare syndrome with its miscellaneous treatments. METHODOLOGY: Between January 1992 and June 1997, a total of 8 (4 females and 4 males) patients, who were operated and diagnosed as Mirizzi syndrome, were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 53.75 years. During the same time period 0.98% of the total 812 cholelithiasis patients were Mirizzi syndrome. The ultrasound was used in 7, computed tomography (CT) in 4 and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 2 cases. Ultrasound allowed the detection of cholelithiasis in all, but proximal bile duct dilatation in only 71% of cases. CT detected the non-specific findings of syndrome in 75% of cases. In 2 patients, because of the difficulties due to the patients themselves and the technical management problems. ERCP could not detect the pathology properly. In 2 of 5 type I patients, we performed only cholecystectomy and in another 2 cholecystectomy plus T-tube drainage. In 1 case, due to major hepatic duct injury during surgery, cholecystectomy plus hepaticojejunostomy over the Y-stent was performed. Biliary fistula developed in 1 patient with T-tube drainage and was successfully managed with conservative treatment. In all type II patients we preferred cholecystectomy plus choledochoduodenostomy and all of them were free of complications. CONCLUSIONS: If there is no question about the security of the common bile duct at surgery in type I patients, we recommended cholecystectomy, otherwise cholecystectomy plus exploration of common bile duct and/or drainage should be the procedure of choice. However, in type II patients cholecystectomy plus choledochoduodenostomy is a safe and effective procedure to perform.     

70岁以上老年人Mirizzi综合征12例临床分析

目的提高对老年人Mirizzi综合征的认识。方法回顾性分析1995—2004年间我院收治的12例70～86岁Mirizzi综合征患者的临床资料。结果术前经B超及经十二指肠胰胆管造影（ERCP）检查诊断者6例，胆囊切除3例，胆囊切除T管引流7例，胆囊切除及肝总管空肠Roux-Y吻合2例。本组无手术死亡。随访时间1～10年，平均3．2年，无胆管狭窄情况。结论Mirizzi综合征术前诊断较困难，治疗应根据不同类型选择适当的手术方式。本组无手术死亡。随访时间1～10年，平均3．2年，无胆管狭窄情况。     

Wire-guided intraductal US in the assessment of bile duct strictures with Mirizzi syndrome-like features at ERCP

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome refers to common hepatic duct obstruction caused by extrinsic compression that is usually from a stone impacted in the cystic duct. The utility of transpapillary intraductal US for assessment of biliary strictures with radiographic features of Mirizzi syndrome was studied retrospectively. METHODS: Intraductal US was performed in 16 patients with a common hepatic duct stricture caused by extrinsic compression and nonvisualization of the gallbladder by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. An over-the-wire catheter US probe (20 MHz) was inserted into the bile duct. Intraductal US findings were compared with the final diagnoses at surgery. RESULTS: Intraductal US was successful in all patients. The extraluminal cause of the common hepatic duct stricture was detected in 14 patients (87.5%). In 9 patients, intraductal US detected an impacted stone outside the common hepatic duct. Intraductal US demonstrated extraluminal lesions without evidence of a stone in 5 patients, including a mass in 4 and asymmetrical, irregular thickening of the bile duct wall in 1 patient. In the remaining 2 patients, intraductal US demonstrated only a distended gallbladder. CONCLUSIONS: Transpapillary wire-guided intraductal US is useful for assessing biliary strictures with features that suggest Mirizzi syndrome and optimizes management of patients with these findings.     

Mirizzi Syndrome

Opinion statement The complete and definitive treatment of patients with Mirizzi syndrome is surgical. The treatment goals are the removal of the gallbladder with the offending stone(s) and the repair of the bile duct defect. A high index of suspicion for early recognition of this condition is paramount to prevent bile duct injury. Biliary anatomy is delineated precisely by preoperative and intraoperative imaging tests. The dissection of the gallbladder is conducted in an antegrade, fundus-first fashion. Extensive dissection of Calot’s triangle is avoided. Instead, the gallbladder is opened, the impacted stone(s) is removed backward, and the confirmation of the presence a cholecystocholedochal fistula is established by direct inspection. A coexistent gallbladder carcinoma is excluded by taking frozen sections. In patients without biliary fistula (Mirizzi type I), simple cholecystectomy suffices to relieve the bile duct obstruction. In patients with biliary fistula (Mirizzi type II), the size of the fistula determines the type of repair. In general, small fistulas are repaired by choledochoplasty using a cuff of gallbladder remnant, whereas large bile duct defects require bilioenteric reconstruction (Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy or choledochoduodenostomy). In patients unfit for surgery, biliary decompression is effectively accomplished by placement of stents using endoscopic or percutaneous techniques. Lithotripsy and removal of the offending stone can also be carried out in patients with Mirizzi type II. In general, nonsurgical treatment of Mirizzi syndrome is incomplete and places the patients on a path of intensive follow-up, multiple procedures, and the risk to continue suffering from complications of symptomatic gallstone disease. However, nonsurgical treatment allows for valuable time to prepare high-risk patients for a more elective and safer operation.     

The Mirizzi Syndrome: Preoperative Diagnosis by Sonography and Transhepatic Cholangiography

Common hepatic duct obstruction from an impacted calculus in the cystic duct is an uncommon cause of jaundice. The complimentary role of both transhepatic cholangiography and sonography can facilitate and assist the physician in making a preoperative diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome and prevent an unnecessary choledochotomy and exploration of the common bile duct.     

Ultrasonographic and x-ray computed tomographic aspects of Mirizzi's syndrome

The Mirizzi syndrome is due to common hepatic duct obstruction secondary to the impaction of a large gallstone in the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct. The sonographic and computed tomography features in 3 cases of Mirizzi syndrome are described and compared with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography findings. The Mirizzi syndrome was diagnosed preoperatively on sonography in 2 out of 3 cases and on plain computed tomography scans in all 3 cases. However pre or intraoperative visualization of the biliary tract is mandatory in suspected Mirizzi syndrome to detect the presence or absence of cholecystobiliary fistula, in order to adapt the operative strategy.     

Benign obstruction of the common hepatic duct (Mirizzi syndrome): diagnosis and operative management

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of prolonged cholelithiasis, characterized by narrowing of the common hepatic duct due to mechanical compression and/or inflammation due to biliary calculus impacted in the infundibula of the gallbladder or in the cystic duct. OBJECTIVES: To describe a series of eight consecutive patients with Mirizzi syndrome, at a single institution, submitted to surgical treatment and to comment on their aspects with emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Four women and four men, with a mean age of 61.6 years (42 to 82 years), presenting Mirizzi syndrome were operated between 1997 and 2003. The following items were evaluated: clinical presentation, laboratory results, preoperative evaluation, operative findings, presence of choledocholithiasis, type of Mirizzi syndrome according to the classification by Csendes, choice of operative procedures, and complications. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (87.5%) and jaundice (87.5%). All the patients presented altered hepatic function tests. The diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome was intra-operative in seven (87.5%) patients, and preoperative in one (12.5%). Cholecystocholedochal fistula associated with choledocholithiasis was observed in three (37.5%) cases. Mirizzi syndrome was classified as Csendes type I in five (62.5%) patients, type II in one (12.5%), type III in one (12,5%) and type IV in another (12.5%). Cholecystectomy, as an isolated surgical procedure, was performed in four (50.0%) patients. One (12.5%) patient was submitted to partial cholecystectomy and closure of the fistulous orifice with the central part of the infundibula. Two (25.0%) patients were submitted to cholecystectomy and side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy and another (12.5%) to side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy remaining the gallbladder in situ. Seven (87.5%) patients had an uneventful recovery and were discharged in good conditions. One (12.5%) patient presented a postoperative sepsis due to a sub-hepatic abscess, and was reoperated. There was no operative mortality. CONCLUSION: The preoperative diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome is difficult and an awarded suspicion is necessary to avoid lesions of the biliary tree. The problem may only become evident during the operation due to firm adherences around Calot's triangle. The success of the treatment is related to a precocious recognition of the condition, even at the time of surgery, and adapting the management considering to the individual characteristics of each case.     

Mirizzi综合征16例诊治体会

目的 探讨Mirizzi综合征的临床特点,总结诊断和治疗经验,提高对其恶变的认识.方法 分析回顾临床所遇16例患者的诊治过程.结果 术前明确诊断率不高,手术方法比较多,Ⅰ型行胆囊切除或胆囊大部切除术,Ⅱ型行胆囊切除、胆管修补加T管引流术,Ⅲ型、Ⅳ型行胆囊切除、肝总管空肠吻合术.胆囊癌变者二期行胆囊癌根治术.结论mirizzi综合征术前明确诊断率不高,胆囊癌变的可能性较大,治疗应根据不同类型选择适当的手术方式,术中或术后应及时送病理检查,排除癌变.     

A new case of a rare anomaly of the biliary tract

We present a 36 year-old female with jaundice, who underwent surgical exploration with the diagnosis of probable biliary fasciolosis vs. Mirizzi′s syndrome. At surgery we found a short common duct leading to the body of gallbladder followed by a long cystic duct draining into the duodenum. Patient underwent hepaticojejunostomy with a Roux Y. The suspicious images of fasciola corresponded to inflammatory nodes in the hepatic hilium. A literature review was conducted and we found very few cases with this rare anomaly, some of them were managed with preservation of a portion of the gallbladder. We discuss the posible implications of this treatment and present an alternative management.