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Gallbladder contractility in patients with cirrhotic versus malignant ascites
Ramazan Sari1, Bulent Yildirim, Alper Sevinc
1Department of Internal Medicine, Inonu University, School of Medicine, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, TR-44069 Malatya, Turkey.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|September 21, 2002
Summary
Gallbladder contractility is significantly greater in patients with cirrhotic ascites compared to those with malignant ascites. This is evidenced by differences in gallbladder wall thickness, fasting and postprandial volumes, and ejection fraction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, can be caused by various conditions, including liver cirrhosis and malignancy.
- Assessing gallbladder function is crucial for understanding digestive processes and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gallbladder contractility between patients with cirrhotic ascites and malignant ascites.
- To evaluate differences in gallbladder wall thickness, fasting and residual volumes, and ejection fraction using sonography.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic measurements of gallbladder wall thickness, fasting and postprandial volumes, and ejection fraction were performed in 26 patients with cirrhotic ascites and 24 patients with malignant ascites.
- Measurements were taken at serial time points after a standardized liquid meal.
Main Results:
- Patients with cirrhotic ascites exhibited significantly thicker gallbladder walls and larger fasting gallbladder volumes compared to those with malignant ascites.
- Gallbladder ejection fractions were significantly higher in the cirrhotic ascites group across most postprandial time points.
Conclusions:
- Gallbladder contractility appears to be enhanced in patients with cirrhotic ascites relative to those with malignant ascites.
- These findings highlight potential differences in gallbladder function based on the underlying cause of ascites.