Klatskin tumor: brief review of the literature and case presentation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61182/rnavmed.v11n1a4Keywords:
Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, Klatskin tumor, Bismuth-Corlette classificationAbstract
Cholangiocarcinomas are malignant neoplasms of the biliary tract and represent the second most common form of liver cancer. The perihilar type, known as Klatskin tumor, arises at the junction of the right and left hepatic ducts and accounts for up to 50% of cases. Although its incidence in Western countries is low (0.3–3.5 cases per 100,000 population), it has increased over the past decade, particularly among older men. We report the case of a 54-year-old male presenting with diffuse abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice, initially diagnosed with biliary sepsis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed hepatomegaly, liver nodules, and mild biliary dilation. SpyGlass cholangioscopy confirmed a Bismuth type IV Klatskin tumor, deemed unresectable due to vascular invasion. ERCP allowed placement of biliary stents, and endoscopic biopsy confirmed stage IV disease with liver metastases. Management included antibiotics, hemodynamic support, and palliative care due to acute liver failure. This case highlights the aggressiveness of advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and underscores the importance of early diagnosis, accurate staging, and multidisciplinary management.
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Copyright (c) 2025 María José Insignares-Osorio, Marycela Díaz-Periñan , Ligia Rosa Cuello-Pacheco , Chelsy Amaris-Calvano , Eduardo Antonio Martínez-Bula , Mario Enrique Montoya Jaramillo , David Fernando Ortiz-Pérez
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