title: Occult gallbladder microlithiasis causing acute recurrent pancreatitis. A report of three cases.
abstract: Gallbladder microlithiasis may be a cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis. When this process cannot be detected with routine investigative procedures, a precise etiologic diagnosis cannot be formulated. In such circumstances, endoscopic collection of bile followed by microscopic examination for presence of cholesterol crystals constitutes a valid diagnostic tool. Three cases of acute recurrent pancreatitis are presented in which cholesterol crystals were found in the bile. The technique and advantages of the method are described and a useful diagnostic approach is proposed.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D001646:Bile / Q000032:analysis; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis; D003460:Crystallization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol