Biliopleural fistula. Case report.

Authors

Keywords:

fistula, Biliary fistula, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, pleural drainage

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Biliopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare entity that requires a high diagnostic suspicion. It is defined as the communication between the biliary tree and the pleural cavity.

Objective: To describe the case of a patient studied in our center for respiratory manifestations, being diagnosed during admission as having BPF. 

Case presentation: An 88-year-old male patient with a history of chest pain, who during his investigation was found to have dilation of the main biliary tract, with elevated liver enzymes, so he underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). One week later he presented with acute symptoms of dyspnea on medium exertion associated with pleural effusion, which was drained, confirming the presence of bilious-looking fluid. 

Conclusion: Many more studies on the subject are needed to reach a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of BPF. We suggest the less invasive approach with pleurostomy in cases of simple or uncomplicated BPF, associated with the use of ERCP. The use of invasive approaches is recommended only in the presence of complex, recurrent or treatment-resistant BPF.

 

Keywords: Biliary fistula, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, pleural drainage.

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Author Biographies

Leilany Olivares Cortés

Graduate in Medicine. Hosp General Surgery Resident. C.Q. “Hermanos Ameijeiras"

Javier Pérez Palenzuela

First Degree Specialist in General Surgery. Instructor teacher. Associate Researcher. Hosp. C.Q. “Hermanos Ameijeiras”

Gretel Pérez Marrero

First Degree Specialist in General Surgery. Assistant Professor, MsCs. Hosp. C.Q. “Hermanos Ameijeiras”

Dante Olivares Cortés

Graduate in Medicine. Resident of Traumatology and Orthopedics at the CCOI “Frank País”

References

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Published

2025-05-19

How to Cite

1.
Olivares Cortés L, Pérez Palenzuela J, Pérez Marrero G, Olivares Cortés D. Biliopleural fistula. Case report. . Acta Médica [Internet]. 2025 May 19 [cited 2025 May 30];26. Available from: https://revactamedica.sld.cu/index.php/act/article/view/702

Issue

Section

Presentación de caso