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Gallbladder emptying in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Karouk Said1, Nick Edsborg, Nils Albiin
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden. karouk.said@ki.se
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 25, 2009
Summary
Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) show increased gallbladder fasting volume, potentially due to chronic cholecystitis. Gallbladder emptying and pain were not significantly associated with these volume changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease affecting bile ducts.
- Gallbladder dysfunction may play a role in PSC pathophysiology and symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gallbladder emptying in patients with PSC.
- To investigate the association between gallbladder volume, cholecystitis, and abdominal pain in PSC.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess gallbladder fasting volume, ejection fraction, and residual volume in 20 PSC patients and 10 controls.
- Gallbladder wall characteristics and cystic duct strictures were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- PSC patients had a significantly larger median fasting gallbladder volume compared to controls (67 mL vs. 32 mL).
- Postprandial gallbladder volume was also larger in PSC patients, though ejection fraction and emptying volume did not differ.
- Increased gallbladder wall contrast enhancement was observed in PSC patients, suggesting inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Patients with PSC exhibit increased fasting gallbladder volume.
- Gallbladder mucosal dysfunction secondary to chronic cholecystitis may contribute to increased gallbladder volume in PSC.
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