Hemobilia complicating needle liver biopsy. A case report with arteriographic demonstration

Massive hemobilia secondary to a needle liver biopsy developed in a 16 year old boy with Hodgkin's disease. Cholecystectomy and common bile duct drainage failed to control the condition and the patient bled massively, management of the hemobilia was effected with left hepatic artery ligation. A review of the literature is presented, with a brief discussion of the clinical picture, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition.