Carcinoma of the gallbladder masked by Mirizzi Syndrome: case report and literature review <b>[Abstract in English]<\b>

Abstract

Aims: This case report aims to describe an unusual presentation of gallbladder cancer, masked by Mirizzi Syndrome. Case description: a woman complained of nausea, dark urine and acholic stools started two months earlier, and jaundice started later. An abdominal ultrasound showed dilatation of the bile duct with choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis. A cholangiopancreatography showed obstruction in the middle third of the common bile duct, without visualization of gallstones. The initial diagnosis was Mirizzi Syndrome. A stent was inserted in the main bile duct, to plan surgery. During surgery macroscopic lesions were found in gallbladder and peritoneum, which indicated interruption of the surgery and sample collection for biopsy. Pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient was discharged with oncological follow-up plan and chemotherapy. Conclusions: The coexistence of Mirizzi Syndrome with carcinoma of the gallbladder is extremely rare, because both diseases are uncommon. Anatomopathological examination of all surgical specimens is always imperative for the definitive diagnosis of gallbladder tumor.