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Sebghatollahi V, Parsa M, Minakari M, Azadbakht S. A clinician's guide to gallstones and common bile duct (CBD): A study protocol for a systematic review and evidence-based recommendations. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1555. [PMID: 37706014 PMCID: PMC10496460 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Gallstones are one of the most common and costly diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and occur when a combination of deposits consisting of fat or minerals accumulate in the gallbladder or common bile duct (CBD). This paper provides a comprehensive review of gallstone epidemiology, diagnosis, and management, focusing on current clinical guidelines and evidence-based approaches. Methods A systematic literature review gathered information from various sources, including PubMed, Trip, Google Scholar, Clinical Key, and reputable medical association websites. Keywords related to gallstones, CBD stones, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and guidelines were used to extract relevant recommendations. Expert consultations and consensus meetings localized the recommendations based on the target population and available resources. Results The paper discusses demographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle influences contributing to gallstone formation. Gallstones are categorized into cholesterol and pigment types, with varying prevalences across regions. Many individuals with gallstones remain asymptomatic, but complications can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Diagnosis relies on history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and transabdominal ultrasound. Specific predictive factors help categorize patients into high, moderate, or low probability groups for CBD stones. Conclusion Evidence-based recommendations for gallstone diagnosis and management are presented, emphasizing individualized treatment plans. Surgical interventions, nonsurgical treatments like oral litholysis with UDCA, and stenting are discussed. The management of gallstones in pregnant women is also addressed, considering the potential risks and appropriate treatment options during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Sebghatollahi
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Medicine, Al‐Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Mohammadreza Parsa
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Medicine, Al‐Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Mohammad Minakari
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Medicine, Al‐Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Saleh Azadbakht
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
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Takahashi M, Takehara Y, Fujisaki K, Okuaki T, Fukuma Y, Tooyama N, Ichijo K, Amano T, Goshima S, Naganawa S. Three Dimensional Ultra-short Echo Time MRI Can Depict Cholesterol Components of Gallstones Bright. Magn Reson Med Sci 2020; 20:359-370. [PMID: 33390560 PMCID: PMC8922345 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.mp.2020-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Non-calcified cholesterol stones that are small in size are hard to be depicted on CT or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. This institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective in vitro study aims to characterize contrast behaviors of 3 main components of the gallstones, i.e., cholesterol component (CC), bilirubin calcium component (BC) and CaCO3 (CO) on 3D radial scan with ultrashort TE (UTE) MRI, and to test the capability of depicting CC of gallstones as bright signals as compared to background saline. Methods Fourteen representative gallstones from 14 patients, including 15 CC, 6 BC and 4 CO, were enrolled. The gallstones underwent MRI including fat-saturated T1-weighted image (fs-T1WI) and UTE MRI with dual echoes. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the chemical analysis for the 25 portions of the stones were compared. Results BC was bright on fs-T1WI, which did not change dramatically on UTE MRI and the signal did not remain on UTE subtraction image between dual echoes. Whereas the CC was negative or faintly positive signal on fs-T1WI, bright signal on UTE MRI and the contrast remained even higher on the UTE subtraction, which reflected their short T2 values. Median CNRs and standard errors of the segments on each imaging were as follows: on fs-T1WI, −10.2 ± 4.2 for CC, 149.7 ± 27.6 for BC and 37.9 ± 14.3 for CO; on UTE MRI first echo, 16.7 ± 3.3 for CC, 74.9 ± 21.3 for BC and 17.7 ± 8.4 for CO; on UTE subtraction image, 30.2 ±2.0 for CC, −11.2 ± 5.4 for BC and 17.8 ± 10.7 for CO. Linear correlations between CNRs and cholesterol concentrations were observed on fs-T1WI with r = −0.885, (P < 0.0001), UTE MRI first echo r = −0.524 (P = 0.0072) and UTE subtraction with r = 0.598 (P = 0.0016). Conclusion UTE MRI and UTE subtraction can depict CC bright.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuo Takehara
- Department of Fundamental Development for Advanced Low Invasive Diagnostic Imaging, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tomoyasu Amano
- Department of Radiological Technology, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital
| | - Satoshi Goshima
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
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Das P, Marcišauskas S, Ji B, Nielsen J. Metagenomic analysis of bile salt biotransformation in the human gut microbiome. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:517. [PMID: 31234773 PMCID: PMC6591925 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5899-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the biochemical milieu of human colon, bile acids act as signaling mediators between the host and its gut microbiota. Biotransformation of primary to secondary bile acids have been known to be involved in the immune regulation of human physiology. Several 16S amplicon-based studies with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subjects were found to have an association with the level of fecal bile acids. However, a detailed investigation of all the bile salt biotransformation genes in the gut microbiome of healthy and IBD subjects has not been performed. RESULTS Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of the bile salt biotransformation genes and their distribution at the phyla level. Based on the analysis of shotgun metagenomes, we found that the IBD subjects harbored a significantly lower abundance of these genes compared to the healthy controls. Majority of these genes originated from Firmicutes in comparison to other phyla. From metabolomics data, we found that the IBD subjects were measured with a significantly low level of secondary bile acids and high levels of primary bile acids compared to that of the healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Our bioinformatics-driven approach of identifying bile salt biotransformation genes predicts the bile salt biotransformation potential in the gut microbiota of IBD subjects. The functional level of dysbiosis likely contributes to the variation in the bile acid pool. This study sets the stage to envisage potential solutions to modulate the gut microbiome with the objective to restore the bile acid pool in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Promi Das
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simonas Marcišauskas
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Boyang Ji
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
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4
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Abstract
Objectives: In the paranasal sinus fungal ball (SFB), changes that occur in the underlying bone have not been well described. Recently, bacterial coinfection has been reported in patients with paranasal SFB. We evaluated whether bone changes occur in patients with unilateral maxillary SFB, and also how bacteria in an SFB affect the bony wall of the sinus. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with a unilateral maxillary SFB undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery was conducted from July 2009 to December 2015. Preoperative computed tomography images of the patients were reviewed. Wall thickness (WT) and wall density (WD) of the diseased sinus were measured and compared to the normal sinus. Specimens of the sinus aspirates were obtained during surgery for aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Results: Forty-three patients were included (mean, 55.7 ± 12.8 years). Thirty-one cultures (72.1%) were positive for bacteria. Thickening was evident in the anterior, lateral, and posterior walls of the diseased sinus. The average WT was 1.69 ± 0.45 mm on the diseased sinus and 1.14 ± 0.31 mm on the normal sinus (P < 0.001). In the diseased sinus, the difference in the average WT between the culture-positive and culture-negative groups was not significant (P = 0.44). The average WD on the diseased sinus was higher than that on the normal sinus (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Osteitic change occurred in most patients with a unilateral maxillary SFB. The presence of bacteria in sinus secretions does not greatly affect the development of osteitic changes in unilateral maxillary SFB.
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Yoo KS. [Management of Gallstone]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2018; 71:253-259. [PMID: 29791983 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2018.71.5.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Gallstones are one of the most common diseases worldwide. Recently, the incidence of gallstones has increased and the pattern of gallstones has changed in Korea. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones. Expectant management is considered the most appropriate choice in patients with asymptomatic gallstones. The dissolution of cholesterol gallstones by oral bile acid, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, can be considered in selected patients with gallstones. Although the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has moved interest away from the pharmacologic treatment of gallstones, several promising agents related to various mechanisms are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyo Sang Yoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
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6
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Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis 2016. J Gastroenterol 2017; 52:276-300. [PMID: 27942871 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-016-1289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholelithiasis is one of the commonest diseases in gastroenterology. Remarkable improvements in therapeutic modalities for cholelithiasis and its complications are evident. The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology has revised the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis. Forty-three clinical questions, for four categories-epidemiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis and complications-were selected, and a literature search was performed for the clinical questions with use of the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases for the period between 1983 and June 2012. The guidelines were developed with use of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. This article preferentially describes the clinical management of cholelithiasis and its complications. Following description of the diagnosis performed stepwise through imaging modalities, treatments of cholecystolithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and hepatolithiasis are introduced along with a flowchart. Since there have been remarkable improvements in endoscopic treatments and surgical techniques, the guidelines ensure flexibility in choices according to the actual clinical environment. The revised clinical practice guidelines are appropriate for use by clinicians in their daily practice.
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Portincasa P, Di Ciaula A, Grattagliano I. Preventing a Mass Disease: The Case of Gallstones Disease: Role and Competence for Family Physicians. Korean J Fam Med 2016; 37:205-13. [PMID: 27468338 PMCID: PMC4961852 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.2016.37.4.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallstone formation is the result of a complex interaction between genetic and nongenetic factors. We searched and reviewed the available literature to define how the primary prevention of gallstones (cholesterol gallstones in particular) could be applied in general practice. Electronic bibliographical databases were searched. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case-controlled studies were analyzed and graded for evidence quality. The epidemiological data confirmed that genetic factors are estimated to account for only approximately 25% of the overall risk of gallstones, while metabolic/environmental factors are at least partially modifiable in stone-free risk groups, and are thus modifiable by primary prevention measures related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors (i.e., rapid weight loss, bariatric surgery, somatostatin or analogues therapy, transient gallbladder stasis, and hormone therapy). There is no specific recommendation for the secondary prevention of recurrent gallstones. Family physicians can contribute to preventing gallstones due to their capability to identify and effectively manage several risk factors discussed in this study. Although further studies are needed to better elucidate the involvement of epigenetic factors that may regulate the effect of environment and lifestyle on gene expression in the primary prevention of gallstone formation, preventive interventions are feasible and advisable in the general practice setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica "A. Murri", University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Cho SH, Min HJ, Han HX, Paik SS, Kim KR. CT analysis and histopathology of bone remodeling in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 135:404-8. [PMID: 16949972 DOI: 10.1016/j.otohns.2006.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 04/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the findings of computed tomography (CT) and histopathology of the bulla ethmoidalis as objective markers of bone remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods Preoperative ostiomeatal unit (OMU) scans and histopathologic findings of the bulla ethmoidalis were performed on 23 patients (39 sides) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Lund-Mackay scores and Hounsfield units (HU) of the bulla were checked in coronal CT scans. The pathologist graded the severities of the mucosal and bony changes in histopathology. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient (r). Results The HU values of the bulla were significantly increased with higher Lund-Mackay scores in OMU CT (r = 0.405, P = 0.01). The bony grades in histopathology were significantly increased with higher mucosal grades (r = 0.821, P = 0.0001). These findings in CT scans and histopathology were well correlated with each other (r > 0.3, P < 0.05). Conclusion HU may be a useful objective marker of bone remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hyun Cho
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haeng-dang-dong 17, Sungdong-gu, Seoul 133-792, Korea
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Portincasa P, Di Ciaula A, de Bari O, Garruti G, Palmieri VO, Wang DQH. Management of gallstones and its related complications. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:93-112. [PMID: 26560258 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2016.1109445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The majority of gallstone patients remain asymptomatic; however, interest toward the gallstone disease is continuing because of the high worldwide prevalence and management costs and the development of gallstone symptoms and complications. For cholesterol gallstone disease, moreover, a strong link exists between this disease and highly prevalent metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and the metabolic syndrome. Information on the natural history as well as the diagnostic, surgical (mainly laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and medical tools available to facilitate adequate management of cholelithiasis and its complications are, therefore, crucial to prevent the negative outcomes of gallstone disease. Moreover, some risk factors for gallstone disease are modifiable and some preventive strategies have become necessary to reduce the onset and the severity of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Portincasa
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica "A. Murri" , University of Bari Medical School , Bari , Italy
| | - A Di Ciaula
- b Division of Internal Medicine , Hospital of Bisceglie , Bisceglie , Italy
| | - O de Bari
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica "A. Murri" , University of Bari Medical School , Bari , Italy
- d Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Saint Louis University School of Medicine , St. Louis , MO , USA
| | - G Garruti
- c Department of Emergency and Organ Transplants, Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases , University of Bari Medical School , Bari , Italy
| | - V O Palmieri
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica "A. Murri" , University of Bari Medical School , Bari , Italy
| | - D Q-H Wang
- d Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Saint Louis University School of Medicine , St. Louis , MO , USA
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10
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Joshua BZ, Sachs O, Shelef I, Vardy-Sion N, Novack L, Vaiman M, Puterman M. Comparison of clinical data, CT, and bone histopathology in unilateral chronic maxillary sinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012; 148:145-50. [PMID: 23112270 DOI: 10.1177/0194599812465396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate bone changes demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) as a predictor of the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS Tertiary referral university medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with unilateral chronic maxillary sinusitis underwent endoscopic sinus surgery from 2003 to 2009. Preoperative CTs of all patients were reviewed by a single radiologist blinded to the pathologic diagnosis. Bone density was evaluated and expressed in Hounsfield units (HU). Sinus wall thickness (WT) was also measured and compared with the contralateral side. All the histopathologic specimens were reviewed. A database was constructed containing demographic data, clinical symptoms, CT measurements, and histopathologic findings. RESULTS Average age was 44.07 years, with 22 women (57.9%) and 16 men (42.1%). The average wall density (WD) was 828.7 HU, and no correlation was found between the density of the diseased maxillary sinus bony walls and the severity of the histopathologic inflammatory process of the soft tissue (P = .474). The average wall thickness of the diseased sinuses was 2.6 mm, and a correlation was found between inflammation severity and wall thickness (P = .018). Wall thickening was found in 97.3% of the cases and an increase in density in 78.9% without correlation between WD and WT. CONCLUSION Wall thickness but not WD obtained from CT scans may be a simple index for evaluation of unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis and its severity. Further studies confirming these results and comparing them with clinical correlates are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Zion Joshua
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Soroka Medical Center and Ben Gurion University of Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Portincasa P, Ciaula AD, Bonfrate L, Wang DQ. Therapy of gallstone disease: What it was, what it is, what it will be. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2012; 3:7-20. [PMID: 22577615 PMCID: PMC3348960 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v3.i2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol gallstone disease is a common clinical condition influenced by genetic factors, increasing age, female gender, and metabolic factors. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently considered the gold standard in treating patients with symptomatic gallstones, new perspectives regarding medical therapy of cholelithiasis are currently under discussion, also taking into account the pathogenesis of gallstones, the natural history of the disease and the analysis of the overall costs of therapy. A careful selection of patients may lead to successful non-surgical therapy in symptomatic subjects with a functioning gallbladder harboring small radiolucent stones. The classical oral litholysis by ursodeoxycholic acid has been recently paralleled by new experimental observations, suggesting that cholesterol-lowering agents which inhibit cholesterol synthesis (statins) or intestinal cholesterol absorption (ezetimibe), or drugs acting on specific nuclear receptors involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, might be proposed as additional approaches for treating cholesterol gallstones. In this review we discuss old, recent and future perspectives on medical treatment of cholesterol cholelithiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Piero Portincasa, Leonilde Bonfrate, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica "A. Murri", University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Policlinico, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Bauer RW, Schulz JR, Zedler B, Graf TG, Vogl TJ. Compound analysis of gallstones using dual energy computed tomography—Results in a phantom model. Eur J Radiol 2010; 75:e74-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2009] [Revised: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Di Ciaula A, Wang DQH, Wang HH, Bonfrate L, Portincasa P. Targets for current pharmacologic therapy in cholesterol gallstone disease. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2010; 39:245-64, viii-ix. [PMID: 20478485 PMCID: PMC2915454 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gallstone disease is a frequent condition throughout the world and, cholesterol stones are the most frequent form in Western countries. The standard treatment of symptomatic gallstone subjects is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The selection of patients amenable for nonsurgical, medical therapy is of key importance; a careful analysis should consider the natural history of the disease and the overall costs of therapy. Only patients with mild symptoms and small, uncalcified cholesterol gallstones in a functioning gallbladder with a patent cystic duct are considered for oral litholysis by hydrophilic ursodeoxycholic acid, in the hope of achieving cholesterol desaturation of bile and progressive stone dissolution. Recent studies have raised the possibility that cholesterol-lowering agents that inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis (statins) or intestinal cholesterol absorption (ezetimibe), or drugs acting on specific nuclear receptors involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, may offer, alone or in combination, additional medical therapeutic tools for treating cholesterol gallstones. Recent perspectives on medical treatment of cholesterol gallstone disease are discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Bisceglie, via Bovio 279 - 70052 - Bisceglie (Bari), Italy, +39-80-3363271, +39-80-3363232 (fax)
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Liver Center and Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Digestive Diseases Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, DA 601, Boston, MA 02215, (617) 667-0561, (617) 975-5071 (fax)
| | - Helen H. Wang
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center and Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, DA 601, Boston, MA 02215, (617) 667-5156, (617) 975-5071 (fax)
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Internal and Public Medicine, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Policlinico, 70124 Bari, Italy. +39-80-5478227, +39-80-5478232 (fax)
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, University Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) frequently shows abnormal bone thickening in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The sinus bone may be not in a static state, and remodeling occurs in response to chronic inflammation. METHODS Ostiomeatal unit CT scans were reviewed in 29 patients with unilateral rhinosinusitis (URS) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. We defined new bone formation (NBF) as a remarkable bone thickening or hyperostosis of the intrinsic sinus walls in comparison with the normal side. Bony CT scores of sinus walls were expressed by the Hounsfield unit (HU) and soft tissue CT scores were measured by the Lund-Mackay system. RESULTS Almost all of the NBF was located at the maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses (83.7%), and it was significantly increased in patients with higher Lund-Mackay scores (p = 0.043). The HU values were significantly different between NBF and non-NBF contralateral sides (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The HU may be helpful to diagnose and quantify the bone remodeling in URS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hyun Cho
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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Szász G, Takács-Novák K, Kökösi J. HPLC STUDY ON ION-PAIRING ABILITY OF DEOXYCHOLIC ACID EPIMERS. J LIQ CHROMATOGR R T 2007. [DOI: 10.1081/jlc-100001480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- György Szász
- a Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University of Medicine , Högyes E. u. 9., Budapest , H-1092 , Hungary
| | - Krisztina Takács-Novák
- a Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University of Medicine , Högyes E. u. 9., Budapest , H-1092 , Hungary
| | - József Kökösi
- a Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University of Medicine , Högyes E. u. 9., Budapest , H-1092 , Hungary
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Abstract
In contrast to bile salts, which undergo a highly efficient enterohepatic circulation with multiple regulatory and physiologic functions, glucuronic acid conjugates of bilirubin are biliary excretory molecules that in health do not have a continuing biologic life. Intestinal absorptive cells are devoid of recapture transporters for bilirubin conjugates, and their large size and polarity prevent absorption by passive diffusion. However, unconjugated bilirubin, the beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis product of bilirubin glucuronides can be absorbed passively from any part of the small and large intestines. This can occur only if unconjugated bilirubin is kept in solution and does not undergo rapid bacterial reduction to form urobilinoids. Here we collect, and in some cases reinterpret, experimental and clinical evidence to show that in addition to the well-known occurrence in newborns, enterohepatic cycling of unconjugated bilirubin can reappear in adult life. This happens as a result of several common conditions, particularly associated with bile salt leakage from the small intestine, the most notable ileal dysfunction resulting from any medical or surgical cause. We propose that when present in excess, colonic bile salts solubilize unconjugated bilirubin, delay urobilinoid formation, prevent calcium complexing of unconjugated bilirubin and promote passive absorption of unconjugated bilirubin from the large intestine. Following uptake, reconjugation, and resecretion into bile, this source of 'hyperbilirubinbilia' may be the important pathophysiological risk factor for 'black' pigment gallstone formation in predisposed adult humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vítek
- Charles University of Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Pereira SP, Bain IM, Kumar D, Dowling RH. Bile composition in inflammatory bowel disease: ileal disease and colectomy, but not colitis, induce lithogenic bile. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003; 17:923-33. [PMID: 12656695 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01529.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease is a risk factor for gall-bladder stones, but there is controversy about the composition of these stones and whether such patients develop lithogenic bile. METHODS In 54 gallstone-free inflammatory bowel disease patients and 13 non-inflammatory bowel disease patients with cholesterol-rich gallstones, we measured the biliary cholesterol saturation indices, nucleation times and bilirubin concentrations, and determined the bile acid composition and molecular species of phosphatidylcholine, in gall-bladder bile. RESULTS Patients with Crohn's colitis or ulcerative colitis had less saturated bile (mean cholesterol saturation index, 0.9) and longer nucleation times (median, 21 days) than those with ileal Crohn's disease (1.5; 14 days) or those who had undergone colectomy (1.6; 5 days). In patients with ileal Crohn's disease, the mean biliary bilirubin concentration was two- to three-fold higher than that in the other groups, and was associated with a decrease in the percentage of biliary deoxycholate and an increase in the percentage of ursodeoxycholate, compared with disease controls, but phosphatidylcholine species were similar. CONCLUSIONS Patients with small bowel Crohn's disease, or who have undergone colonic resection, have supersaturated bile and an increased risk of cholesterol gallstone formation. In patients with ileal disease, the presence of high biliary bilirubin concentrations and low percentage of deoxycholic acid may also favour the formation of mixed, pigment-rich, gallstones.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Pereira
- Gastroenterology Unit, Guy's Hospital Campus, GKT School of Medicine, London, UK.
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Broughan TA. Gallstones. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999; 2:154-161. [PMID: 11096587 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-999-0044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gallstone disease is a common clinical problem that poses particular difficulties for our aging and increasingly obese population. Exciting new research suggests an infectious cause for most cholesterol stones. The keys to managing patients with gallstone disease are recognition of the wide spectrum of clinical disease resulting from gallstones and a flexible, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. The biliary tract has been a proving ground in the development of minimally invasive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- TA Broughan
- The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Tulsa, OK
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Abstract
In addition to the detection of gallstones, common bile duct stones, and narrowed and dilated bile ducts, recent advancements in imaging techniques now make it possible to diagnose microlithiasis, pathology of normal-size ducts, and dysfunction of the gallbladder and the sphincter of Oddi (SO). More and more frequently, noninvasive imaging techniques obviate the risk of invasive investigation. These techniques can also take the place of unsuccessful or contraindicated direct cholangiography, and they play an essential role in treatment planning and diagnosis of postoperative complications. Transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS) remains fundamental for initial assessment of the biliary tract. Technical developments make magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography the most promising diagnostic technique of the biliary tract. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is most helpful for detection of microlithiasis and evaluation of the ampullary region, the periductal structures, and the regional lymph nodes in neoplastic diseases. Cholescintigraphy is most valuable to assess bile dynamics in the diagnosis of gallbladder and SO dysfunction and in postoperative bile leakage.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Corazziari
- Cattedra di Gastroenterologia I, Clinica Medica II, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 00161 Roma, Italy
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