Lemmel Syndrome Secondary to Duodenal Diverticulitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Lemmel syndrome occurs when a duodenal diverticulum causes obstructive jaundice due to a mechanical obstruction of the common bile duct. Additional pathophysiologic processes may also contribute to the development of Lemmel syndrome. These include duodenal diverticula causing dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi as well as compression of the common bile duct by duodenal diverticula. It is uncommon for duodenal diverticulum to become inflamed. We report the case of a 25-year-old female presenting with unintentional weight loss and fatigue. Since her initial labs were concerning for possible infection with hepatobiliary abnormalities, a contrast-enhanced CT was obtained. This study revealed a large periampullary diverticulum with mucosal enhancement and fat stranding consistent with diverticulitis.