Mirizzi Syndrome: A Case Report

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of chronic gallstone disease that occurs when an impacted gallstone at the gallbladder infundibulum or cystic duct causes common extrinsic hepatic or common bile duct obstruction. Contrary to other gallstone pathologies where gallstones affect the respective location in which they are lodged, Mirizzi syndrome is unique in that it is characterized by extrinsic gallstone compression. Chronic gallstone disease most commonly leads to acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, or acute pancreatitis. The extrinsic compression of the common hepatic or common bile duct may lead to eventual erosion which increases the risk for a cholecystocholedochal or cholecystohepatic fistula. It is imperative that Mirizzi syndrome should be carefully considered in the differential diagnosis for its potential to progress to these complications. We present a case of Mirizzi syndrome in an elderly male and discuss the different subtypes of the syndrome.