Intraluminal Diverticulum of the Duodenum demonstrated by Intravenous Cholangiography

An intraluminal diverticulum of the duodenum is a congenital sac or pocket-like structure lying within the lumen of the duodenum, generally near the level of the ampulla of Vater. We have been able to find only 13 reported cases showing the characteristics of true intraluminal diverticula. We report here an additional case which presents the unique feature of the termination of the common bile duct within the diverticulum. This was demonstrated and diagnosed preoperatively by intravenous cholangiography. Such a case has to the best of our knowledge not been previously recorded. An 18-year-old youth, born in Algeria, was admitted because of attacks of diffuse upper abdominal pain and vomiting of six months duration. There was no definite relationship to meals but some of the attacks occurred at night. He had lost about ten kg in weight during this period. His past history was negative and he did not remember similar attacks in childhood. Physical examination revealed nothing abnormal except some epigastric...