Mirizzis syndrome masquerading as cholangiocarcinoma: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Mirizzi's syndrome is a rarely observed disorder that presents with obstructive jaundice. The condition is caused by a stone impacted in the gall bladder neck or cystic duct that impinges on the common hepatic duct, with or without a cholecystocholedochal fistula. The condition is often confused with other serious conditions such as hilar cholangiocarcinoma, which present with similar clinical and imaging findings, and a preoperative diagnosis may be a serious challenge. Case presentation: We present the case of a 44-year-old Asian man with Mirizzis syndrome who was initially diagnosed as having cholangiocarcinoma based on his clinical presentation, raised cancer antigen 19-9 levels and radiological findings. Our patient was diagnosed as having Mirizzis syndrome intra-operatively and subsequently a cholecystectomy was performed with restoration of biliary drainage. Careful clinical assessment during surgery with the help of intra-operative frozen section helped in establishing the definitive diagnosis and altered the surgical procedure for our patient. Conclusions: Pre-operative diagnosis of Mirizzis syndrome could be challenging as the clinical, biochemical and radiological presentation is similar to other conditions causing obstructive jaundice such as choledocholithiasis, bile duct stricture or cholangiocarcinoma. A high index of suspicion and careful surgical assessment may help in establishing a diagnosis and alter the clinical course for our patient. © 2012 Khan and Rehman; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.