title: Clinical, ultrasonographic, and roentgenographic study in 134 asymptomatic gallstone carriers. Is oral ursodeoxycholic acid treatment worthwhile?
abstract: We investigated retrospectively the ultrasonographic and roentgenographic characteristics of the gallstones and the gallbladder in 134 symptom-free carriers and evaluated prospectively the outcome and side effects of 6 to 24 months' ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy in 36 individuals with silent stones. Two-thirds of the 134 subjects had multiple stones, and 71-75% had stones less than 15 mm in diameter. Gallstone calcification was detected in 13%. A non-functioning gallbladder was observed in 19%, whereas gallbladder contraction was normal in 64 of 76 gallstone carriers. With regard to oral bile acid treatment, complete and partial dissolutions were achieved in 7 and 9 of 33 subjects, respectively (48.5%). Development of a non-functioning gallbladder occurred in 9%, and acquired gallstone calcification was seen in another 15%. We conclude that: i) the characteristics of the gallstones and the gallbladder are similar to those observed in symptomatic patients, and ii) UDCA therapy may be given in selected symptom-free carriers for no more than 6-12 months. Thereafter, it does not appear to be cost-effective.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lirussi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Passera
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Iemmolo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nassuato
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Okolicsanyi
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002765:Cholecystography; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid