Portal hypertensive cholycystopathy in cirrhotic patients

ABSTRACT

The affection of the gallbladdor in liver cirrhosis and its relation to portal hypertension has been a matter of research for many years. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between gallbladder function, gallbladder wall thickness, and portal hemodyanamics in patients with liver cirrhosis. Twenty three males and seven females were included in this study with well known liver cirrhosis and no gallbladder disease. Ten volunteers with matched age and sex were taken as a control group. Ultrasonographic examination revealed significant increase in portal vein diameter with significant correlation with gallbladder wall thickness. Patients in Child's class C had significant lower fractional emptying of the gallbladder than both Child A and B and the control group. The three Child classes A, B, and C had significant increased gallbladder wall thickness compared to the control group. The wall thickness correlates significantly with serum albumin, presence of ascites and dilated portal vein. There was a significant correlation between the congestion index and both gallbladder fractional emptying and postprandial volume. In conclusion, portal hypertension and associated changes can be considered one of the causes that lead lo impairment of the gallbladder contractile function in liver cirrhosis and contribute to the increased prevalence of gallstones