Role of endoscopy in gallstone pancreatitis

Similarities and differences between biliary sludge and microlithiasis: Their clinical and pathophysiological significances

The terms biliary sludge and cholesterol microlithiasis (hereafter referred to as microlithiasis) were originated from different diagnostic techniques and may represent different stages of cholesterol gallstone disease. Although the pathogenesis of biliary sludge and microlithiasis may be similar, microlithiasis could be preceded by biliary sludge, followed by persistent precipitation and aggregation of solid cholesterol crystals, and eventually, gallstone formation. Many clinical conditions are clearly associated with the formation of biliary sludge and microlithiasis, including total parenteral nutrition, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, organ transplantation, administration of certain medications, and a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Numerous studies have demonstrated complete resolution of biliary sludge in approximately 40% of patients, a cyclic pattern of disappearing and reappearing in about 40%, and progression to gallstones in nearly 20%. Although only a minority of patients with ultrasonographic demonstration of biliary sludge develop gallstones, it is still a matter of controversy whether microlithiasis could eventually evolve to cholesterol gallstones. Biliary sludge and microlithiasis are asymptomatic in the vast majority of patients; however, they can cause biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, and acute pancreatitis. Biliary sludge and microlithiasis are most often diagnosed ultrasonographically and bile microscopy is considered the gold standard for their diagnosis. Specific measures to prevent the development of biliary sludge are not practical or cost-effective in the general population. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers the most definitive therapy on biliary sludge. Endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgical intervention is effective for microlithiasis-induced pancreatitis. Ursodeoxycholic acid can effectively prevent the recurrence of solid cholesterol crystals and significantly reduce the risk of recurrent pancreatitis.

Gallstone disease: Microlithiasis and sludge

'Sludge' is the solid material which results from the slow settling of particles dispersed in a liquid medium. Biliary sludge in the gallbladder can be detected by transabdominal ultrasonography, and the typical echoes derive mainly from pigment precipitates mixed with cholesterol crystals. A portion of biliary sludge contains comparatively large particles (1-3 mm) called microliths, the formation of which is an obligatory intermediate step in the development of all types of gallstone. Microlithiasis and sludge in bile may cause colicky pain, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis, and are thus of clinical relevance. In these patients treatment follows the guidelines of symptomatic gallstone disease, and strategies include long-term application of ursodeoxycholic acid, endoscopic papillotomy, or preferably laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Surgical complications of selected gastrointestinal emergencies: pitfalls in management of the acute abdomen

Complaints referable to the abdomen are common emergency department presentations. Many of these conditions prove to be benign and self-limited, whereas others are potentially catastrophic. Because serious and benign intra-abdominal conditions share many relatively nonspecific symptoms, it is often difficult to identify patients who have life-threatening problems early in the course of their disease. Apart from relieving the patient's symptoms, the emergency physician's primary role is to detect and stabilize life-threatening conditions in a rapid and cost-effective manner.

Diagnosis, objective assessment of severity, and management of acute pancreatitis. Santorini consensus conference

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis, early assessment, and management of severe acute pancreatitis remain difficult clinical problems. This article presents the consensus obtained at a meeting convened to consider the evidence in these areas. The aim of the article is to provide outcome statements to guide clinical practice, with an assessment of the supporting evidence for each statement.

METHOD

Working groups considered the published evidence in the areas of diagnosis, assessment of severity, nonoperative treatment, and surgical treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. Outcome statements were defined to summarize the conclusions on each point considered. The findings were discussed and agreed on by all participants. A careful assessment was made of the strength of the available evidence (proven, probable, possible, unproven, or inappropriate).

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

There is reliable evidence to support much current practice. Clear guidance can be given in most areas examined, and several areas were identified where further investigation would be helpful. Diagnosis using plasma concentrations of pancreatic enzymes is reliable. Rapid advances are taking place in the assessment of severity. Several new therapeutic strategies show real promise for the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. Surgical debridement is required for infected pancreatic necrosis, but is less often necessary for sterile necrosis.

Acute pancreatitis in adult type IV congenital cyst of bile ducts: report of two cases

Type IV congenital cyst of bile duct represents about 10% of all bile duct congenital cysts in adulthood. Clinical presentation is usually related to recurrent jaundice and abdominal pain. No cases of type IV bile duct cyst presenting with acute pancreatitis have been described so far. We herein report two cases of such association; both patients recovered from acute pancreatitis. The relevant world literature is reviewed.

Emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, indications, yield, and outcome of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in critically ill patients.

METHODS

Records of all intensive care unit patients undergoing emergency ERCP were reviewed over a 40-month period. Indications, findings, therapeutic interventions, and survival were analyzed. Those requiring mechanical ventilation at the time of ERCP were in group A and those who did not were in group B.

RESULTS

Of 1781 ERCPs, 32 (1.80%) were performed on intensive care unit patients. Fifteen patients belonged to group A (46.87%) and 17 (53.13%) to group B. The common bile duct was the duct of interest in 30 patients (94%) and was cannulated in 97%. Indications included possible biliary sepsis (68.75%), gallstone pancreatitis, and jaundice (12.5% each). The most common finding was choledocholithiasis (34%), followed by failure to fill the cystic duct (16%) and common bile duct stricture (9%). A normal examination was present in 18.75% of cases. Endoscopic therapy was required in 66.6% of patients in group A and 70.5% of group B. The overall 30-day mortality was 25% (33% for group A and 17.6% for group B) and not related to the ERCP.

CONCLUSIONS

Two percent of all ERCPs performed were on intensive care unit patients (47% requiring mechanical ventilation) primarily to evaluate for possible biliary sepsis. Technical success was not compromised by mechanical ventilation. Therapeutic intervention was required in more than two thirds of patients and the overall 30-day mortality was 25%.