Gallbladder ulcer eroding the cystic artery: a rare cause of hemobilia

Am J Surg. 2009 Aug;198(2):e17-9. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.12.034. Epub 2009 May 1.

Abstract

We report a hemorrhage from an eroded cystic artery in an ulcer of an inflamed calcolous gallbladder. Bleeding from the papilla was observed at side-view endoscopy. Echo endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography suggested a gallbladder bleeding. A clear-cut diagnosis was made by selective angiography, followed by embolization of the cystic artery, hence stopping the hemorrhage. Cystic artery bleeding into the gallbladder is rare. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteries
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Cholecystitis / complications
  • Cholecystitis / surgery
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Endoscopy, Digestive System
  • Gallbladder / blood supply*
  • Gallbladder Diseases / complications*
  • Gallbladder Diseases / surgery
  • Hemobilia / etiology*
  • Hemobilia / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ulcer / complications*
  • Ulcer / surgery