[Spontaneous hemobilia in the differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages]

Abstract

Hemobilia, biliary tree hemorrhage, is characterized by melana and/or haematemesis, biliary colic and clinical jaundice. The rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding probably accounts for quite a large percentage of gastrointestinal hemorrhages of undetermined source. In the evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding the hepato-biliary system is seldom examined unless trauma has occurred. However, 10-15% of cases with hemobilia are non-traumatic. Three cases are presented illustrating three different causes of non-traumatic hemobilia observed during the last three years. The diagnostic problems and the therapeutic possibilities are described.