Common bile duct lesions - how cholangioscopy helps rule out intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare variant of bile duct tumors, characterized by an exophytic growth exhibiting a papillary mass within the bile duct lumen and it can be localized anywhere along the biliary tree, with morphological variations and occasional invasion.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a patient with obstructive jaundice who was diagnosed with IPNB using cholangioscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Using the SpyGlass DS II technology, we were able to define tumor extension and obtain targeted Spy-byte biopsies. After multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was scheduled for surgical resection of the tumor, which was radically removed.

CONCLUSION

Cholangioscopy appears to be crucial for the rapid and clear diagnosis of lesions in the bile duct to achieve radical surgical resection.

Key Words: Intraductal papillary neoplasm, Cholangioscopy, Bile duct, Surgical resection, SpyGlass, Case report

Core Tip: Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare variant of bile duct tumors, characterized by an exophytic growth exhibiting a papillary mass within the bile duct lumen and it can be localized anywhere along the biliary tree, with morphological variations and occasional invasion. We present a patient with obstructive jaundice who was diagnosed with IPNB using cholangioscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Using the SpyGlass DS II technology we were able to define tumor extension and to obtain targeted Spy-byte biopsies. The patient underwent successful surgical rsection of the tumor.

INTRODUCTION

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare variant of bile duct tumors, characterized by an exophytic growth exhibiting a papillary mass within the bile duct lumen and it can be localized anywhere along the biliary tree, with morphological variations and occasional invasion. IPNB can be classified into extra-hepatic IPNB and intra-hepatic IPNB. Surgical resection is the first-line treatment and the prognosis of this tumor is better than that of cholangiocarcinoma[1,2].

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

A 72-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital due to obstructive jaundice and abdominal pain.

History of present illness

He was a pacemaker carrier and had a history of significant cardiovascular comorbidities.

History of past illness

No significant past illnesses, apart from cardiovascular disorders.

Personal and family history

No family history of gastrointestinal tumors.

Physical examination

On physical examination there was tenderness in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Temperature was normal and blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg.

Laboratory examinations

Blood tests showed high direct bilirubin levels (6.5 mg/dL) and altered liver function tests.

Imaging examinations

Computed tomography scan revealed a 3 cm hyperdense mass within the common hepatic duct (CHD). Cholangiography during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) confirmed the presence of segmental CHD dilation without clear filling defects in the distal tract (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Cholangiography findings during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography of the intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

Peroral cholangioscopy (POC), using the SpyGlass DS II technology (Boston Scientific Ltd., Ireland) was performed. After extensive irrigation due to the presence of secretions, an intraductal papillary mass, characterized by papillary projections with fine vascular cores protruding into the lumen was visualized (Figure 2). The mass involved the CHD and was 1 cm from the hilar bifurcation (Klatskin Tumor type I), extending 1 cm up to the cystic insertion in the CHD. Targeted Spy-byte biopsies were obtained, and the results of pathologic examination were consistent with IPNB.

Figure 2 Image of the intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct visualized using the SpyGlass DS II technology.

TREATMENT

After multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was scheduled for CHD surgical resection, cholecystectomy and hepatico-jejunostomy.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

Final pathology showed IPNB within different grades of dysplasia and invasive cancer involving 3% of the lesion, which was radically resected (R0 margins) (Figure 3). The post-operative course was uneventful and a good prognosis is expected at this stage.

Figure 3 Hematoxylin and eosin staining results. A: Whole section of the intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with villous silhouette and pseudo-infiltration of the stroma - arrow (1.25 ×); B and C: Foci of marked cytological atypia in papillomatous background architecture (20 ×).

DISCUSSION

POC is an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of undetermined biliary strictures or filling defects, and the accuracy of the direct visual impression during cholangioscopy seems to be greater than that with ERCP. Moreover, POC allows exact localization of the tumor, which is crucial for surgical planning in order to perform a radical resection[3-6].

CONCLUSION

The SpyGlass technology appears to be crucial for the rapid diagnosis and a clear evaluation of the extension of lesions such as IPNB, which can easily be misdiagnosed due to their mucin production and flat appearance.