title: Microlithiasis: an important cause of "idiopathic" acute pancreatitis?
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).
authors.affiliation: Gastrointestinal Research Unit, Depts. of Gastroenterology and Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Niels G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Venneman
authors.forename: Sigrid E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: van Brummelen
authors.forename: Gerard P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: van Berge-Henegouwen
authors.forename: Karel J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: van Erpecum
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002137:Calculi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D042882:Gallstones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid