Lemmel's syndrome: Presentation of an uncommon cholangitis cause and a risk factor for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Case report

Introduction: Lemmel's syndrome is a rare pathology that presents jaundice or dilation of common biliary tract, secondary to duodenal diverticula. Due to infrequency, a high suspicion has to be considered to avoid omitting this diagnosis, mainly in patients who present direct hyperbilirubinemia without choledocholithiasis. Presentation of case: A 76-year-old female admitted to the emergency department with cholangitis, secondary to an ampullary diverticulum (papilla was located inside the diverticulum). As a consequence, the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failed and a biliodigestive derivation (choledochal duodenum anastomosis) was performed. Discussion and conclusions: This case is an example of an unusual clinical and anatomical presentation of duodenal diverticulum. This unusual presentation is an example of the importance of not overlooking a diagnosis, which can lead to more severe complications such as cholangitis. It is also important to consider that cases like this are risk factors for failed endoscopic management and surgical possibilities procedures should also be considered in the management.