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Living with Mirizzi syndrome

A complication of gallstones that can cause yellowing of the skin, belly pain, and fever.

Understanding Mirizzi syndrome

Mirizzi syndrome is a complication of gallstones (cholelithiasis) that can block the bile duct and cause jaundice, belly pain, and fever.

It most often appears in adults and older adults. A blocked bile duct causes obstructive jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Belly pain
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine
  • Gallstones
  • Fever

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What tests confirm Mirizzi syndrome?
What treatment options are there, including surgery?
What symptoms should prompt me to seek urgent care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult and as an Older Adult

GARD describes this as a complication of gallstones (cholelithiasis).

Gastrointestinal

Also known as: extrinsic biliary compression syndrome; mirizzi's syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Mirizzi syndromeGARD ID 10177 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Mirizzi syndrome.

Explore the Mirizzi syndrome blog

Explore research for Mirizzi syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Mirizzi syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Mirizzi syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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