[Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula]

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula is now a rare entity due to the advent of antibiotics, ultrasonography, and safe and early surgical treatment of biliary tract diseases. Such a case is reporting here, revealed by the systematic histological examination of the skin biopsy.

Observation: A 65 year-old male presented with an inflammatory and ulcerated lesion located on his right flank, with a long-standing but asymptomatic course. Biological tests and biliary tract ultrasonography were not very contributive. Histopathological findings consisted in a granulomatous dermal reaction enclosing biliary fragments. Per-operative data were in favour of a compound biliocutaneous fistula complicating an inflammatory process of the gall-bladder.

Discussion: Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula is unusual. Diagnosis might be difficult because of the lack of clinical specificity and a occasionally insidious evolution. Consequently, systemic histological examination is fundamental.