Delayed massive hemobilia following percutaneous liver biopsy: treatment by embolotherapy

Am J Gastroenterol. 1992 Dec;87(12):1833-8.

Abstract

A patient developed delayed life-threatening hemobilia after apparently uncomplicated percutaneous needle liver biopsy. An arteriobiliary fistula demonstrated by arteriography was successfully treated by selective transcatheter arterial embolization, with Gelfoam and a Gianturco coil. The diagnosis of liver biopsy-induced hemobilia should be suspected when a postprocedure fall in hematocrit is associated with abdominal pain, hyperbilirubinemia, or unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. A review of the diagnosis and management of liver biopsy-related hemobilia is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemobilia / diagnosis
  • Hemobilia / etiology*
  • Hemobilia / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / etiology
  • Liver / pathology*