Massive Subcutaneus Emphysema following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with Sphincterotomy

Vol. 4, No. 3, 2010

Article (PDF 562 KB)
Open Access

Published: September 2010

Massive Subcutaneus Emphysema following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with Sphincterotomy
Michail Papamichail^a, Nicolas Nikolaidis^b, Elina Anastasiou^c, George Sidirokastritis^c, Panagiotis Prigouris^c

^aNorthwick Park & St Mark’s Hospital, London, and
^bSouthampton University Hospital, Southampton, UK;
^cEvangelimos General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece

Address of Corresponding Author

Case Rep Gastroenterol 2010;4:399-403 (DOI: 10.1159/000320669)

Key Words

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Pneumomediastinum
Pneumoperitoneum
Subcutaneous emphysema

Abstract

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an effective procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of the pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tract diseases, it is still related with several complications. A female patient who underwent an ERCP with sphincterotomy developed massive subcutaneous emphysema along with pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. Although mild respiratory distress occurred, based on the absence of intaabdominal leakage of gastrografin, the patient was managed conservatively. In conclusion, the retroperitoneal air collection related to ERCP is well recognized even in the absence of obvious perforation and may spread to adjacent areas, causing serious complications.

Author Contacts

Michail Papamichail
Northwick Park & St Mark’s Hospital, Room 247, Hodgson Court, Nightingale Avenue
Harrow, London HA1 3GX (UK)
E-Mail mp1977gr@googlemail.com

Article Information

Published online: September 20, 2010
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 4,

Cited in Web of Science®

Recommend this

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.