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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
08:42
Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
Published on: November 27, 2016
Bile acid malabsoption: a forgotten diagnosis?
Usman Khalid1, Amyn Lalji, Ruth Stafferton
1Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London.
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|May 5, 2010
Summary
Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) causes chronic symptoms but is often overlooked. Many gastroenterologists do not investigate BAM thoroughly, leading to underdiagnosis, especially for type 2 BAM.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Health
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) presents with chronic symptoms but is not life-threatening.
- Current clinical practice regarding BAM diagnosis and management among gastroenterologists is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey senior British gastroenterologists on their diagnostic and management strategies for patients with potential BAM.
- To identify factors contributing to the underdiagnosis of BAM.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 706 senior British gastroenterologists, with a 62% response rate.
- The survey assessed the frequency of considering BAM, diagnostic approaches, and perceived prevalence of different BAM types.
Main Results:
- Gastroenterologists diagnose BAM in 1% of chronic diarrhea patients; only one-third use definitive diagnostic tests.
- Most gastroenterologists consider BAM in selected patients (61%) or not at all, contributing to underdiagnosis.
- Type 1 BAM is most common (61%), followed by type 2 (22%) and type 3 (15%).
Conclusions:
- Bile acid malabsorption, particularly type 2, is underdiagnosed due to infrequent consideration and inadequate diagnostic testing.
- Improved awareness and standardized diagnostic approaches are needed to address BAM underdiagnosis.
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