A case of obstructive jaundice due to limy bile in the cystic and common bile ducts

Limy bile is a rare condition characterized by excessive precipitation of calcium carbonate in the gallbladder; limy bile in the common bile duct is also very rare. Limy bile was first described by Churchman in 1911. The etiology of limy bile is unclear, but complete cystic duct obstruction by gallstones is believed to be a prerequisite for the development of limy bile. Recently, we experienced a case with obstructive jaundice in which the initial simple radiograph showed limy bile in the cystic and common bile ducts, but not the gallbladder. Here, we report the case and review the literature.