[Gallbladder atony and celiac disease in adults. Radiographic and echographic study of 15 cases]

Gallbladder emptying was evaluated in 15 adult celiac disease patients by oral cholecystography or ultrasonography, after fatty meal or cholecystokinin stimulation. Gallbladder inertia was found in 13 cases. Our study agrees with previously reported results; however it is the first one in which this abnormality was demonstrated by ultrasonography. Our findings may suggest that gallbladder inertia is due to duodenal release of an inactive endogenous cholecystokinin. Control studies demonstrates that gallbladder inertia is reversible after gluten-free diet, recurs with relapse, and thus represents a true celiac disease sign, and not an associated condition. Finally, our cases suggest that gallbladder inertia may be radiologically evident before clinical features of malabsorption become apparent. Awareness of this possibility may persuade the radiologist to research in this condition an occult celiac disease.