Biliary
cast syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon complication which is mostly described in orthotopic
liver transplantation. However, BCS has also been reported rarely in non-
liver transplant patients. We describe a male long-term
opium inhaler with BCS who underwent successful endoscopic cast removal by balloon enteroscopy-guided endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A 52-year-old man, who was a known case of
opium addiction, presented with the chief complaint of epigastric
pain for 1 week prior to admission. Routine laboratory evaluation revealed cholestatic liver
enzyme elevation. A cholestatic pattern was seen in radiographic modalities. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a linear filling defect in the intra- and extrahepatic duct. A long biliary cast was successfully removed using an extractor balloon. After removal of the biliary cast the patient is receiving
ursodeoxycholic acid and does not report any problem 4 months
after treatment. It seems that
biliary dyskinesia due to long-term
opium use can be a predisposing factor for biliary cast formation.