Acute pancreatitis secondary to hemobilia after percutaneous liver biopsy

Abstract

Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is a valuable diagnostic tool. Complication rates vary depending on the technique used, experience of the physician, number of passes, bleeding parameters and other factors. Hemorrhage is a common complication after PLB and can present as intraperitoneal bleeding, intrahepatic or subcapsular hematoma, or rarely as hemobilia. Acute pancreatitis is a rare complication of hemobilia. We describe a single case of acute pancreatitis caused by biliary obstruction due to hemobilia following PLB. The obstruction was successfully managed with biliary stent drainage.