Affiliation:
1. Department of Pediatrics, Ondokuz Mayis University, School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
2. Department of Radiology, Ondokuz Mayis University, School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
Abstract
Purpose: To determine gallbladder motor function and gallstone prevalence in beta-thalassemic children. Abnormalities in gallbladder function or bile acid metabolism may contribute to gallstone formation in these patients. Material and Methods: In 17 beta-thalassemic patients and 12 normal healthy children with similar age, sex and weight, gallbladder size was measured using real-time US, and volume was calculated using the ellipsoid method. Results: In the beta-thalassemic patients, cholelithiasis was present in 2 patients (11.8%). Sludge, which can be a predisposing factor for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis when it persists, was detected in 5 patients (29.4%). One of the patients had both cholelithiasis and sludge. Compared with the control group, beta-thalassemic children had larger fasting volume, residual volume, and smaller contraction index. Conclusion: Beta-thalassemic patients have enlarged gallbladders that retain an increased residual volume of bile. Gallbladder enlargement, bile stasis, and impaired emptying of sludge may be important events in the pathogenesis of pigment gallstones in beta-thalassemic patients.
Subject
Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging,General Medicine,Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Cited by
17 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献