Microlithiasis: an important cause of "idiopathic" acute pancreatitis?
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).
Venneman
Niels G
NG
Gastrointestinal Research Unit, Depts. of Gastroenterology and Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van Brummelen
Sigrid E
SE
van Berge-Henegouwen
Gerard P
GP
van Erpecum
Karel J
KJ
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
D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid