Published online Mar 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i11.3425
Peer-review started: October 7, 2014
First decision: October 14, 2014
Revised: November 4, 2014
Accepted: December 1, 2014
Article in press: December 1, 2014
Published online: March 21, 2015
Processing time: 163 Days and 18 Hours
Abnormalities and variations of the biliary ducts are not rare. Most aberrant bile ducts eventually drain into the descending part of duodenum through the papilla of vater. However, drainage of the left hepatic bile duct into the stomach is extremely rare. A 29-year old man was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of biliary reflux gastritis. Comprehensive imaging modalities were performed including electronic endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography. Finally, congenital ectopic left intrahepatic bile duct draining into the stomach was found, which caused biliary reflux gastritis. The patient did not receive any surgery. Good recovery was achieved by medical treatment.
Core tip: Abnormalities and variations of the biliary ducts are not rare. Most aberrant bile ducts eventually drain into the descending part of duodenum through the papilla of vater. However, drainage of the left hepatic bile duct into the stomach is extremely rare. We report a case with congenital left intrahepatic bile duct draining into gastric wall. The clinical symptoms are similar to bile reflux gastritis and the imaging changes are easily misdiagnosed as gastric tumor. The comprehensive imaging examination is necessary for correct diagnosis.