Rapidly Fatal Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma Associated With Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Report Highlighting Emerging Risk Factors

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare biliary cancer, typically presents with nonspecific symptoms that hinder early diagnosis. Emerging metabolic risk factors are increasingly being recognized as contributors. We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with newly diagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic syndrome, who presented with acute abdominal pain and a subsequent liver biopsy-confirmed intrahepatic CCA. Despite chemotherapy and immunotherapy, rapid disease progression led to metastasis and systemic complications, resulting in death. This case highlights the aggressive nature of CCA and the importance of addressing modifiable metabolic risk factors to improve the outcomes.