A Rare Cause of Obstructive Jaundice and Pancreatitis; Lemmel's Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Lemmel’s syndrome is defined as obstructive jaundice due to a PDD in the absence of choledocholithiasis or a neoplasm. The most common cause is the presence of PDD which arise within 2-3 cm from the ampulla of Vater. Currently, there are very few case reports of this condition, which was first named in 1934 after Dr. Gerhard Lemmel.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and jaundice, and also had signs of pancreatitis, with laboratory results showing elevated liver and pancreatic enzymes and hyperbilirubinemia. We present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with Lemmel’s syndrome after abdominal CT, MRCP, and ERCP.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, it is imperative for physicians to recognize this syndrome in order to deliver prompt care. Because making the correct diagnosis in these patients is very important for correct treatment and preventing the development of complications.