title: [Microcrystals and biliary sludge: pathogenesis and clinical significance].
abstract: Review of the literature concerning the pathogenesis and the clinical significance of microcrystals and biliary sludge. In addition, the advantages and limitations of the available methodology of identification of these microscopic precipitates and the clinical conditions in which the investigation of the bile composition, with respect to the presence of cholesterol and calcium bilirubinate microcrystals, are discussed. In conclusion, algorithms for treatment of bileopancreatic diseases caused by microcrystals and/or biliary sludge are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina UNIFESP-EPM.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Chebli
authors.forename: E V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Martins Júnior
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gaburri
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: J Z
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Gil
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Neves
mesh_terms: D001646:Bile / Q000737:chemistry*; D002769:Cholelithiasis; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis*; D003460:Crystallization; D042882:Gallstones; D006801:Humans; D010195:Pancreatitis
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol