Challenges of the Klatskin tumor diagnosis in a patient suffering from cirrhosis of the liver

Abstract

The clinical example demonstrates several stages of diagnostic search in patients admitted to hospital with severe manifestations of cholestatic syndrome. Due to the presence of alimentary liver cirrhosis and absence of cholelithiasis, cholestasis was evaluated with regard to the underlying disease. However, progressive jaundice against a background of adequate treatment and deterioration of the general condition of the patient forced the doctors to extend the range of diagnostic search. Heterogeneity of results of diagnostic imaging was the major obstacle to the detection of Klatskin tumor.