Biliary tract bleeding with obstructive jaundice after endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a pancreatic head tumor

Background Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a safe procedure and extraintestinal bleeding after EUS-FNA is rare. Two cases of biliary tract bleeding after EUS-FNA was reported, but no case of biliary hemorrhage with obstructive jaundice after EUS-FNA of pancreatic head tumor has been reported. We discuss one such case, the pitfalls encountered during EUS-FNA and how they were overcome. Case presentation A 78-year-old man suspected of pancreatic head cancer was introduced to our hospital for pathological examination by EUS-FNA. Because he took antithrombotic drugs, we performed EUS-FNA after withdrawal of the drugs and replacement by heparin. The next day after EUS-FNA, obstructive jaundice was suspected by hematologic examination. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography was carried out and biliary tract bleeding was observed. We diagnosed obstructive jaundice due to hemobilia and inserted an endonasal biliary drainage tube. During the following period, the bleeding stopped and total bilirubin decreased. On the 15th hospital day, he was transferred to another hospital for pre-operative examination. Conclusion Biliary tract bleeding after EUS-FNA is quite rare but endosonographers must appreciate and deal appropriately with this adverse event.