Chronic abdominal pain secondary to portosystemic collateral vessels: A case report and review of etiologies.

Introduction: Portosystemic collateral veins (PSCVs) are rare venous anomalies that arise due to portal hypertension and can closely resemble primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) on imaging studies. Their presence around the common bile duct (CBD) may lead to diagnostic confusion and inappropriate management.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with a history of cholecystectomy and post-ERCP pancreatitis who presented with chronic right upper quadrant abdominal pain. MRCP revealed beading and wall thickening of the CBD, raising suspicion for PSC or periductal CCA. Three-phase CT imaging demonstrated dilated paracholedochal collateral veins encasing the CBD. Laboratory investigations showed elevated AST, ALT, ALP, and CA 19-9, with declining hemoglobin and platelets during her latest admission.

Clinical discussion: PSCVs can produce external compression and irregularity of the bile duct, mimicking the imaging features of malignant or inflammatory biliary conditions. Recognizing this vascular anomaly requires correlation of imaging findings with clinical and laboratory data to prevent misdiagnosis.

Conclusion: In patients with persistent abdominal symptoms and a history of biliary procedures or portal vein thrombosis, PSCVs should be included in the differential diagnosis. Accurate and timely identification via CT and MRCP can guide appropriate clinical management and avoid unnecessary interventions.