Concept

Mirizzi's syndrome

Summary
Mirizzi's syndrome is a rare complication in which a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder causing compression of the common hepatic duct, resulting in obstruction and jaundice. The obstructive jaundice can be caused by direct extrinsic compression by the stone or from fibrosis caused by chronic cholecystitis (inflammation). A cholecystocholedochal fistula can occur. Mirizzi's syndrome has no consistent or unique clinical features that distinguish it from other more common forms of obstructive jaundice. Symptoms of recurrent cholangitis, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase may or may not be present. Acute presentations of the syndrome include symptoms consistent with cholecystitis. Surgery is extremely difficult as Calot's triangle is often obliterated and the risks of causing injury to the CBD are high. Multiple and large gallstones can become impacted in the Hartmann's pouch of the gallbladder, leading to chronic inflammation—which leads to compression of the common bile duct (CBD), necrosis, fibrosis, and ultimately fistula formation into the adjacent common hepatic duct (CHD) or common bile duct (CBD). As a result, the CHD/CBD becomes obstructed by either scar or stone, resulting in obstructive jaundice. It can be divided into four types. Type I – No fistula present Type IA – Presence of the cystic duct Type IB – Obliteration of the cystic duct Types II–IV – Fistula present Type II – Defect smaller than 33% of the CHD diameter Type III – Defect 33–66% of the CHD diameter Type IV – Defect larger than 66% of the CHD diameter Imaging by ultrasonography, MRCP, or CT scan usually make the diagnosis. MRCP can be used to define the lesion anatomically prior to surgery. Occasionally Mirizzi's syndrome is diagnosed or confirmed on ERCP when requested to alleviate obstructive jaundice or cholangitis by means of an endoscopically placed stent, or when USS has been wrongly reported as choledocolithiasis. Simple cholecystectomy is suitable for type I patients.
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