The added value of peroral cholangioscopy to diagnose intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct is a precursor of invasive cholangiocarcinoma [1]. Early identification and intervention may improve the poor prognosis of this disease, but diagnosis by classical imaging is often difficult [2]. Also, as surgery is the therapy of choice, a precise pre-operative evaluation is necessary [3] [4]. Cholangioscopy may contribute to the diagnostic work-up.

A 40-year-old man without medical history presented with acute epigastric pain, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound showed intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ductal dilation without gallstones ([Fig. 1]). Echo-endoscopic ultrasound confirmed a diffusely dilated biliary tree with discrete hyperechogenic intraluminal material in the common bile duct, proximal to the cystic duct ([Fig. 2]). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with papillotomy was performed, which revealed spontaneous evacuation of mucin, which was further evacuated by balloon extraction ([Fig. 3]). Brush cytology was performed, and a 9-cm 10-Fr straight plastic stent was placed to ensure biliary drainage. Brush cytology revealed aspecific inflammation without dysplasia.

Fig. 1 Abdominal ultrasound demonstrating dilation of the main bile duct (yellow arrow) with a discrete hyperechogenic intraluminal defect in the main bile duct (white arrow).

Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound shows a discrete hyperechogenic intraluminal defect (white arrow) in the main bile duct (dotted line), proximal of the cystic duct.

Fig. 3 Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography shows a significant amount of intraductal mucin resulting after papillotomy and balloon extraction.

Additional peroral SpyGlass cholangioscopy (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA) confirmed a lesion with papillary protrusions just below the liver hilum and in the distal right hepatic duct. The left intrahepatic ductal system was normal ([Video 1]). Biopsy specimens (SpyBite Biopsy Forceps, Boston Scientific) confirmed the diagnosis of multifocal intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia ([Fig. 4]).

Video 1 Cholangioscopy showing a clear villous defect just below the liver hilum and in the right hepatic duct. The left ductal system was normal.

Fig. 4 Biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis of multifocal intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia.

After multidisciplinary evaluation, a right hepatectomy with hepaticojejunostomy was performed. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen showed intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct of the intestinal type (MUC1 negative, diffuse MUC2 positive, focal MUC5AC positive, limited MUC6 positive) with low-grade dysplasia, R0-resection ([Fig. 5]). Good clinical evolution was seen.

Fig. 5 Pathologic examination of the right hepatectomy specimen shows intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with intestinal type differentiation (MUC1 negative, diffuse MUC2 positive, focal MUC5AC positive, limited MUC6 positive).

This case illustrates the added value of cholangioscopy in the diagnosis of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct, both for anatomical localization (and exclusion of lesion in the left intrahepatic ductal system) as well as for histopathological confirmation by intraductal biopsies. We believe cholangioscopy should be considered in every probable case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AZ_2AC

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Moschovis D, Bamias G, Delladetsima I. et al. Mucins in neoplasms of pancreas, ampulla of Vater and biliary system. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2016; 8: 725-734
• 2 Ohtsuka M, Shimizu H, Kato A. et al. Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct. Int J Hepatol 2014; 18: 1-10
• 3 Vibert E, Dokmak S, Belghiti J. et al. Surgical strategy of biliary papillomatosis in Western countries. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci 2010; 17: 241-245
• 4 Gordon-Weeks AN, Jones K, Harriss E. et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of current experience in treating IPNB: clinical and pathological correlates. Ann Surg Open 2016; 263: 656-663

Publication History

Article published online:
27 April 2022