Open AccessObstructing fungal cholangitis complicating metal biliary stent placement in pancreatic cancer
Author(s) -
Brian Story,
Michael Glück
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.3083
Subject(s) - biliary stent , medicine , stent , biliary drainage , biliary tract , surgery , radiology
Biliary obstructions can lead to infections of the biliary system, particularly in patients with occluded biliary stents. Fungal organisms are frequently found in biliary aspirates of patients who have been on antibiotics and have stents; however, fungal masses, or "balls", that fully obstruct the biliary system are uncommon and exceedingly difficult to eradicate. We present 4 cases of obstructing fungal cholangitis in patients who had metal biliary stents placed for pancreatic malignancies, and subsequently required aggressive antifungal administration along with endoscopic and radiologic interventions. This report also reviews approaches previously undertaken to manage severe obstructing fungal cholangitis.