Occult gallbladder microlithiasis causing acute recurrent pancreatitis. A report of three cases

Gallbladder microlithiasis may be a cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis. When this process cannot be detected with routine investigative procedures, a precise etiologic diagnosis cannot be formulated. In such circumstances, endoscopic collection of bile followed by microscopic examination for presence of cholesterol crystals constitutes a valid diagnostic tool. Three cases of acute recurrent pancreatitis are presented in which cholesterol crystals were found in the bile. The technique and advantages of the method are described and a useful diagnostic approach is proposed.