Cytologic diagnosis of bile peritonitis

✍ Scribed by Tarik M. Elsheikh; Jan F. Silverman; Thomas M. Sturgis; Kim R. Geisinger

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 531 KB
• Volume: 14
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 8755-1039
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0339(199602)14:1<56::aid-dc11>3.0.co;2-c

✦ Synopsis

Bile peritonitis (BP) is a rare but acute and serious condition that may be associated with high mortality. BP results from generalized or localized leakage of bile into the peritoneal cavity. At best, radiologic studies may be suggestive of BP. We observed a spectrum of CytologicJindings in aspiratedperitonealjuids (PF) from 3 patients with BP. Occasional bile pigment-laden macrophages, extracellular lakes of green stringy material admixed with variable numbers of histiocytes, mesothelial cells, and acute and chronic injammatory cells, were seen. Numerous candida were present in one case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the cytologic features of BP. Cytology is a simple, rapid, and cost-eflective means of examining PF, and can therefore play a significant role in establishing the diagnosis of BF! Early recognition of BP can result in rapid, therapeutic interven-

tion that may prevent significant morbidity and mortality.