Intrabiliary growth of a liver metastasis originating from colorectal carcinoma is a rare manifestation of metastatic liver carcinoma, with only a few cases reported in the literature [1]
[2]
[3]. Radiological characteristics of the “classic” liver metastases are well established, and generally preoperative biopsy to plan a proper surgical strategy is not required. However, the radiological features of intrabiliary liver metastasis may not be distinctive, leading to possible misdiagnosis.
We present the case of an 83-year-old woman who was referred to our unit because of jaundice. The medical history reported left hemicolectomy for cancer (pT3N0) 15 years earlier and hepatic segmentectomy for metastatic nodule 5 years earlier. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed dilation of the common bile duct and intrahepatic bile ducts, with an intraductal nodule at the hepatic hilum ([Fig. 1]). Carcinoembryonic antigen and α-fetoprotein levels were normal. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a dilated biliary duct (14 mm) with a “negative” image of about 20 mm at the bifurcation.
Fig. 1 Magnetic resonance imaging showed dilation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts and common bile duct, with an intraductal nodule at the hepatic hilum.
After sphincterotomy and papilloplasty up to 12 mm, direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) was performed using a slim scope (8.5 mm diameter, EG 530FP; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan). A polypoid mass with irregular vascular pattern, highly suggestive of malignancy, was observed at the hepatic hilum ([Fig. 2 a]). Endoscopic resection of the lesion, under direct visualization, with a hot snare (15 mm, Captivator II; Boston Scientific Corp., Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA) was performed, thus avoiding the need for biliary stent placement ([Fig. 2 b], [Video 1]). Histology revealed a metastasis of colorectal carcinoma ([Fig. 3]). The patient remained free of symptoms with normal bilirubin level for 12 months.
Fig. 2 Direct peroral cholangioscopy. a Visualization of an obstructive polypoid mass, with irregular vascular pattern and surface at the hepatic hilum. b Evaluation after resection showed no more obstruction of the hilum and visualization of the intrahepatic biliary ducts.
Video 1 Filling defect at cholangiography. Sphincterotomy and papilloplasty up to 12 mm. Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) performed using a slim endoscope (8.5 mm diameter, EG 530FP; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan) showed an obstructive polypoid mass with irregular vascular pattern (FICE, Fujifilm). Endoscopic resection of the lesion was performed using a hot snare.
Fig. 3 Histology revealed metastasis of colorectal carcinoma (hematoxylin and eosin).
To our knowledge this is the first case of an intrabiliary endoscopic resection performed under direct visualization. The POC is an advanced technique for intraluminal visual inspection and for therapeutic intervention of the biliary ducts [4], and shows potential as a promising approach in the diagnosis and treatment of a subgroup of patients with biliary obstruction secondary to intraductal masses.
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