Spontaneous rupture of the extrahepatic bile duct (SPBD) can occur in neonates and infants. It is rare and may be associated with a delay in diagnosis.
Pathogenesis: uncertain. One hypothesis is that there is a congenital weakness in the bile duct wall (often the anterior wall of the common bile duct).
The onset may be acute, subacute or chronic.
Clinical findings may include:
(1) jaundice
(2) bile peritonitis
(3) acholic stools
Cholangiography shows bile leakage from an extrahepatic bile duct.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) rupture of a choledochal cyst
(2) malformation of the extrahepatic bile ducts
Complications:
(1) complete biliary obstruction secondary to scarring
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