[Familial incidence of gallstones]

From March 1986 to June 1988 ultrasound examinations for gallstones were performed on 1616 symptom-free persons (982 females and 634 males, aged 12-93 years). They were also asked about gallstones and (or) cholecystectomy among blood relatives. Gallstones were discovered or a previous cholecystectomy was reported in 316 persons (19.6%). The prevalence of gallstones was age-dependent and increased with age. Prevalence was higher in females than in males. There was, in this group of 316, a significant increase in family prevalence of gallstones among six of nine age-groups (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.01, respectively) compared with those without gallstones. These data suggest a genetic disposition towards cholelithiasis, while dietary factors could not be definitely excluded.