Final answer:
Pneumobilia refers to the presence of air in the common bile duct, commonly due to a medical procedure or condition that facilitates air entry into the biliary tree. The patient having pneumobilia on the previous ultrasound suggests links to certain procedures or conditions requiring a targeted follow-up exam.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pneumobilia is a medical term that denotes the presence of air in the common bile duct. The common bile duct is a structure that transports bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. The presence of air in this duct is usually due to an abnormal communication between the biliary tree and bowel, caused by a condition such as sphincterotomy, choledochoduodenostomy, or cholecystectomy. It can also be a complication of ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography). In rare cases, it might be seen in gallbladder emphysematous cholecystitis or as a result of a hepatobiliary fistula.
In the context of the patient who is referred for an abdominal sonogram follow-up and was found to have pneumobilia in the previous ultrasound report, this information is significant. It helps clinicians to target the follow-up examination and reviews any interventional procedures that may have led to this condition. Final answer in 2 lines: Pneumobilia refers to air in the common bile duct, attributed often to a medical procedure or condition that enables air to enter the biliary tree.
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