[What are the characteristic signs of cholecystolithiasis in patients with type 2 diabetes?]

In a group of 166 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hospitalized at the First Medical Clinic, Faculty Hospital Prague 5-Motol, cholecystolithiasis was found in 91. In these patients sonographic parameters were analyzed. All were hospitalized primarily on account of a non-biliary indications. The group comprised 67 men, mean age 69 years. The control group was formed by 67 patients with a normal glucose tolerance. An enlarged gallbladder was found in 15 patients (16.4%), a gallbladder of reduced size in 8 (8.8%). Stones smaller than 1 cm were in the group of diabetics in 31 subjects (34.3%), stones larger than 1 cm in 60 (65.7%). A wall of the gallbladder wider than 3.5 mm was found in 14 (15.4%) diabetics with cholecystolithiasis. All these results were statistically significant as compared with the control group (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the number of stones in diabetics and controls. The authors discuss the causes of these findings. In the conclusion the authors state that it is necessary to seek actively cholecystolithiasis in type 2 diabetics and indicate cholecystectomy in time to prevent numerous, in particular inflammatory, complications. For detection ultrasonography is suited best.