Biliary type-II sphincter of Oddi dysfunction with a pancreatic duct dilation: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: The double-duct sign is defined as dilation of both the common bile duct and pancreatic duct, which usually indicates pancreatic malignancy. However, benign causes have also been reported to cause a double-duct sign. Case presentation: We present the case of a 59-year-old Caucasian female patient admitted to the Gastroenterology Department with intermittent right epigastric abdominal pain and an intact gallbladder. A double-duct sign was seen on endoscopic ultrasound. The suspicion of pancreatic malignancy was excluded through follow-up investigations. Biliary type II sphincter of Oddi dysfunction was diagnosed with an association of the double-duct sign. Sphincterotomy was performed to reduce pain, and there was no recurrence of symptoms during follow-up. Conclusions: This is the third reported case in the literature of the double-duct sign associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. This case emphasizes that the double-duct sign is not always caused by a local malignancy. The literature review of the reported cases has been summarized to help in the diagnosis of future similar cases.