Abstract
Microlithiasis is the underlying cause in a significant proportion of patients with "idiopathic" acute pancreatitis. The mechanism appears to be a relative deficiency of phosphatidylcholine in bile, with fast and extensive cholesterol crystallization as a result. Diagnosis of microlithiasis by microscopic detection of cholesterol crystals in bile is important and should lead to appropriate therapy (cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy or ursodeoxycholic acid maintenance therapy).
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Calculi / chemistry
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Calculi / complications*
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Calculi / diagnosis
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Calculi / prevention & control
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Cholagogues and Choleretics / therapeutic use
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Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde*
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Cholecystectomy
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Gallstones / chemistry
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Gallstones / complications*
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Gallstones / diagnosis
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Gallstones / surgery
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Humans
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Pancreatitis / diagnosis
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Pancreatitis / etiology*
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Pancreatitis / surgery
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Risk Factors
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Ursodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use
Substances
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Cholagogues and Choleretics
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Ursodeoxycholic Acid