Lemmel's syndrome due to giant periampullary diverticulum: report of a case

Abstract

Lemmel's syndrome is a rare cause of obstructive jaundice in the absence of stones or tumors, commonly due to periampullary duodenal diverticulum (PAD). CT scan with the oral and intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media, was crucial to exclude the presence of stones or tumours, but esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) confirms the diagnosis. We report a case of a 72 -year-old woman affected by Lemmel's syndrome secondary to a giant PAD, suffering from right upper abdominal quadrant pain and pancreaticobiliary disease. Subsequently we proceed to analyse the pathogenesis of PAD, and later to discuss pitfalls, tips and tricks useful to make a correct diagnosis, in order to achieve an accurate management.