Post-Hepatic Obstruction By A Duodenal Papilla Calculus In A 9-Year-Old FS DSH Cat: Our Case Of the Month

High-end views are extremely important for all patients to provide an accurate diagnosis. SonoPath Mobile’s own Shari Reffi, CVT, SDEP™ certified clinical sonographer expertly dialed into this cat’s biliary tree and located the reason for an ALT of over a thousand! A rock! No, not “The Rock“, but a duodenal papilla calculus.

 

History

History of a sewing needle stuck in the caudal aspect of hard palate a month prior. 24 inches of string was attached and removed (without resistance) under sedation. The patient then presented almost one month later for anorexia, vomiting and hiding. Blood chemistry found ALT >1000, glucose 223, T. Bili. 2.3, TP 9.4, Glob. 6.1. No significant findings on radiographs.

History of a sewing needle stuck in the caudal aspect of hard palate a month prior. 24 inches of string was attached and removed (without resistance) under sedation. The patient then presented almost one month later for anorexia, vomiting and hiding. Blood chemistry found ALT >1000, glucose 223, T. Bili. 2.3, TP 9.4, Glob. 6.1. No significant findings on radiographs.

DX

Chronic triad disaease with post-hepatic obstruction by a duodenal papilla calculus. Concurrent regional pancreatic inflammation, cholangitis pattern, IBD presentation.

Image Interpretation

The liver in this patient presented an over distended gallbladder. The common bile duct was dilated at 5.0 mm. Lobar biliary duct dilation was noted as well. Regional inflammation was noted around the common bile duct. The common bile duct was followed to the duodenal papilla. A 3.0 mm calculus was embedded within the duodenal papilla, obstructing the common bile duct. The pancreatic duct was dilated in this patient.

Outcome

Surgical intervention with liberation of the common bile duct and appropriate biopsies is indicated.

Video

Patient Information

Patient Name : Gracie Harry Blairstown AH Shari Reffi
Age : 9 Years
Gender : Female, Spayed
Species : Feline

Blood Chemistry

  • ALT (SGPT), High

Clinical Signs

  • “Not Doing Right”
  • Anorexia
  • Hiding behavior
  • Vomiting

History

  • Anorexia
  • Vomiting

Images

gb_stone_bliary_july_2019enlarged_screen_shot_2019-06-28_at_3

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