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Gallbladder emptying in patients with primary achalasia
E Caturelli1, M M Squillante, S Fusilli
1Divisione di Gastroenterologia, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italia.
Digestion
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Primary achalasia affects more than the esophagus, impacting gallbladder emptying. Achalasic patients showed significantly reduced and delayed gallbladder contractions compared to controls, suggesting digestive tract involvement.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Physiology
Background:
- Primary achalasia is increasingly recognized as a condition extending beyond the esophagus.
- Potential involvement of other digestive organs in primary achalasia warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gallbladder emptying in patients with primary achalasia.
- To compare gallbladder function in achalasic patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrasonography to assess gallbladder emptying.
- Administered intravenous cerulein infusion to stimulate gallbladder contraction.
- Compared 10 primary achalasia patients with 10 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Eight of ten achalasic patients exhibited reduced gallbladder emptying.
- Six of ten achalasic patients demonstrated markedly delayed gallbladder emptying.
- Overall, achalasic patients showed significantly impaired and delayed gallbladder emptying compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the extra-esophageal manifestation of primary achalasia.
- Suggests potential impairment of cholinergic gallbladder innervation in primary achalasia.
- Highlights the need for further research into digestive system involvement in achalasia.