Blunt abdominal trauma can rarely be complicated by stricture(s) in the bile ducts.
Clinical features:
(1) history of blunt abdominal trauma
(2) onset of signs and symptoms of bile duct obstruction following the trauma. The onset may be delayed so the connection with trauma may be obscured.
(3) biochemical evidence of bile duct obstruction (serum alkaline phosphatase, other)
(4) exclusion of alternative explanations (surgery, parasite, malformation, etc)
The presence of strictures is usually demonstrated by ERCP, with proximal bile duct dilatation. Some strictures can be treated by dilation during the ERCP if accessible.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
