Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy  2005;31(5):358-362

A Case of Multiple Intrahepatic Duct Stones associated with Portal Biliopathy.

Jung Sup KIM 1 ; Dong Won LEE ; Il Young KIM ; Sung Yik LEE ; Tae Oh KIM ; Gwang Ha KIM ; Jeong HEO ; Dae Hwan KANG ; Geun Am SONG ; Mong CHO ; Suk KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Portal biliopathy; Cavernous transformation

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

"Portal biliopathy" is a terminology used to describe the biliary, ductal and gallbladder wall abnormalities seen in patients with portal hypertension. These changes are predominantly seen in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), and they include abnormalities (stricture and dilatation) of both the extra and intrahepatic bile ducts, and varices of the gallbladder. The majority of the patients are asymptomatic, but these changes occasionally become significant and give rise to overt obstructive jaundice and they possibly contribute to the development of choledocholithiasis and cholangitis. Asymptomatic patients do not need any treatment. If there is persistent elevation of alkaline phosphatase or ductal dilatation on ultrasonography, ERCP or MRCP can be performed to detect choledocholithiasis or biliary stricture. We present here a 43-year-old male patient for whom portal biliopathy with accompanying multiple intrahepatic duct stones was diagnosed by MRCP and choledocoscopy.