Search

Gallbladder rupture, though rare, is a serious complication often arising from choledocholithiasis and subsequent interventions such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this case, the patient presented with acute choledocholithiasis and underwent ERCP with sphincterotomy and stone extraction, followed by placement of a fully covered metal stent in the common bile duct (CBD). While the use of covered stents is appropriate, it is important to note that these stents can obstruct the cystic duct orifice in patients with a gallbladder. This occurs in more than 33% of patients with a low cystic duct junction, leading to obstructive acute cholecystitis, as seen in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or distal cholangiocarcinoma who receive metal biliary stents. In this case, the patient developed a liver abscess following a gallbladder rupture, likely due to the stent obstructing the cystic duct. The liver abscess was managed with percutaneous drainage, and cultures grew Streptococcus anginosus , a common pathogen in hepatobiliary infections. The patient was treated with IV piperacillin-tazobactam, followed by oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for a 4-6 week course. Additionally, portal vein thrombosis, a known complication of severe infection, was identified and treated with anticoagulation. This case highlights the need for careful stent selection and possible prophylactic cholecystectomy in patients with a functioning gallbladder to prevent post-ERCP complications like cholecystitis and abscess formation. Early diagnosis, timely drainage, and appropriate antibiotic therapy are critical to managing such complex hepatobiliary conditions., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Louis et al.)

This project was designed to use existing evidence in education and clinical quality improvement to design an educational and clinical model specific for physician-performed focused sonography. The I-AIM model (indication, acquisition, interpretation, and medical decision making) was created to serve as both a mnemonic and checklist. The model follows a stepwise logic for performing focused sonographic examinations and contains detailed subcomponent listings that cover specific areas to improve use and performance. Although validation and reliability studies will be required before implementation, the I-AIM model represents the first effort to standardize and improve clinical and educational focused-sonography.