Biliary sludge
Biliary sludge refers to a viscous mixture of small particles derived from bile.[1][2] These sediments consist of cholesterol crystals, calcium salts, calcium bilirubinate, mucin, and other materials.[1][2][3]
Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]
Complications[edit | edit source]
Biliary sludge may cause complications such as biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis.[1][2]
Cause[edit | edit source]
Biliary sludge has been associated with pregnancy, rapid weight loss, total parenteral nutrition, drugs such as ceftriaxone and octreotide, solid organ transplantation, and gastric surgery.[1][2] In many of these conditions, it is thought that the impairment in the contractility of the gallbladder leads to the formation of the sludge.[2]
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The pathophysiology of biliary sludge formation is likely related to gallbladder dysmotility.[2] It is presumed that because the gallbladder is unable to effectively empty, the biliary sludge can start to accumulate.[2]
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Biliary sludge is typically diagnosed by CT scan or transabdominal ultrasonography.[1][2] Endoscopic ultrasonography is another more sensitive option. However, the gold standard is considered to be direct microscopy of aspirated gallbladder bile.[1][2] This method is much more sensitive, although it is less practical.[2]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
For patients without symptoms, no treatment is recommended. If patients become symptomatic and/or develop complications, cholecystectomy is indicated.[1] For those who are poor surgical candidates, endoscopic sphincterotomy may be performed to reduce the risk of developing pancreatitis.[1]
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The clinical course of biliary sludge can do one of three things: (1) it can resolve completely, (2) wax and wane, or (3) progress to gallstones.[1][2][3] If the biliary sludge has a cause (e.g. pregnancy), it oftentimes is resolved when the underlying cause is removed.[3]
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
The prevalence of biliary sludge is low in the general population.[2] It has been reported that the prevalence ranges from 0-0.20% in men and 0.18-0.27% in women.[2] However, in patients with certain conditions, the prevalence may be higher.[2]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
| Classification |
|---|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
