NYMC Faculty Publications
Lemmel's Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Periampullary Diverticula
Author Type(s)
Resident/Fellow, Faculty
DOI
10.7759/cureus.36236
Journal Title
Cureus
First Page
e36236
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2023
Department
Medicine
Abstract
Periampullary diverticula are outpouches in the mucosa in the duodenum surrounding the ampulla of Vater. Most cases of periampullary diverticuli are asymptomatic, but complications can arise, increasing a patient's mortality. Diagnosis of periampullary diverticuli is often incidental during endoscopy or imaging studies for abdominal pain. When a patient with periampullary diverticuli is symptomatic, imaging modalities such as CT scan and MRI can help make the diagnosis, but a side-viewing endoscope provides direct visualization of the diverticuli and also allows for the potential treatment of the disease. Lemmel's syndrome is a complication of periampullary diverticuli where the diverticuli causes mechanical obstruction of the bile duct leading to obstructive jaundice without choledocholithiasis. These patients are at risk for further complications such as sepsis and perforation. Early diagnosis and treatment of these patients can help to prevent further complications from arising. We are presenting a case of Lemmel's syndrome with obstructive jaundice from a periampullary diverticuli, further complicated by cholangitis without dilation of the biliary tree.
Recommended Citation
Battah, A., Farouji, I., DaCosta, T. R., Luke, N. D., Shamoon, D., DaCosta, T., & Bains, Y. (2023). Lemmel's Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Periampullary Diverticula. Cureus, 15 (3), e36236. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36236