A Study on the Spectrum of Imaging Findings of Post-ERCP-Specific Complications: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

The aim of this study was to examine the imaging manifestations of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) specific complications by computed tomography to aid in its early and successful diagnosis and timely intervention. Forty-one cases of imaging having post-ERCP were complications were retrospectively collected and the spectrum of complications and their key imaging features and methods to improve their detection were analyzed. The most common complication detected in computed tomography (CT) post-ERCP was the presence of intra-abdominal collections seen in 21 patients (51.2%). Pancreatitis was seen in 20 of 41 patients (48.7%), while bowel perforation was present in 9 patients (21%). Pleural effusion was present in 8 patients (19.5%), liver abscess in 6 patients (14.6%), cholangitis in 4 patients (9.7%), gallbladder perforation in 4 patients (9.7%), displaced common bile duct stent in 3 patients (7.3%), possibility of main pancreatic duct cannulation in 2 patients (4.8%), vascular injury resulting in right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm in 1 patient (2.4%), thrombosis of portal vein or its branches in 2 patients (4.8%), superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in 1 patient (2.4%), right hepatic vein thrombosis in 1 patient (2.4%), pulmonary thromboembolism in 2 patients (4.8%), duodenal inflammation in 1 patient (2.4%), bowel ileus in 4 patients (9.6%), and bowel obstruction in 1 patient (2.4%). Complications after ERCP can cause significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Familiarity with normal findings post-ERCP and knowledge of the imaging appearance of these complications are vital in the early management of these conditions.