Case Of the Month

Post-Hepatic Obstruction By A Duodenal Papilla Calculus In A 9-Year-Old FS DSH Cat: Our Case Of the Month

History of a sewing needle stuck in the caudal aspect of hard palate a month prior. 24 inches of string was attached and removed (without resistance) under sedation. The patient then presented almost one month later for anorexia, vomiting and hiding. Blood chemistry found ALT >1000, glucose 223, T. Bili. 2.3, TP 9.4, Glob. 6.1. No significant findings on radiographs.

DX

Chronic triad disaease with post-hepatic obstruction by a duodenal papilla calculus. Concurrent regional pancreatic inflammation, cholangitis pattern, IBD presentation.

Outcome

Surgical intervention with liberation of the common bile duct and appropriate biopsies is indicated.

Image Interpretation

The liver in this patient presented an over distended gallbladder. The common bile duct was dilated at 5.0 mm. Lobar biliary duct dilation was noted as well. Regional inflammation was noted around the common bile duct. The common bile duct was followed to the duodenal papilla. A 3.0 mm calculus was embedded within the duodenal papilla, obstructing the common bile duct. The pancreatic duct was dilated in this patient.