title: Asbestos fibers in the gallbladder of patients affected by benign biliary tract diseases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the presence of asbestos fibers in the biliary tract of patients living in an asbestos-polluted area using scanning electron microscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thin gallbladder sections were obtained from five patients who were operated on for gallbladder stones and the bile fluid of one of the patients was analyzed using variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. All patients were from Casale Monferrato, Italy, a well-known asbestos-polluted city, where the Eternit factory had operated since the beginning of the century until 1985.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the inorganic phases found in the gallbladder were analyzed for morphology and chemistry. Fibers and particles consistent with minerals defined by law as 'asbestos' were detected in three out of five patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that asbestos fibers can be found in the gallbladder of patients exposed to asbestos, although how they reach the biliary tract remains unknown. Further studies to confirm these results are under way.
authors: aMesothelioma Unit, Department of Oncology bMesothelioma Unit, Department of Pathology cScientific Development Unit, SS Antonio and Biagio and Cesare Arrigo General Hospital dDepartment of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria eUnit of Cancer Epidemiology, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte fASLTO1 Department of Pathology, Martini Hospital gInterdepartmental Center 'G. Scansetti', University of Turin, Turin hDepartment of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara iMesothelioma Unit, Supportive and Palliative Care, Country Health Service, Casale Monferrato, Italy.
authors: Federica
authors: F
authors: Grosso
authors: Lorenza
authors: L
authors: Randi
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Croce
authors: Dario
authors: D
authors: Mirabelli
authors: Roberta
authors: R
authors: Libener
authors: Corrado
authors: C
authors: Magnani
authors: Donata
authors: D
authors: Bellis
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Allegrina
authors: Marinella
authors: M
authors: Bertolotti
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Degiovanni
authors: Caterina
authors: C
authors: Rinaudo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017638:Asbestos, Crocidolite / Q000009:adverse effects; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine / Q000009:adverse effects; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002273:Carcinogens; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / Q000379:methods; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D002273:Carcinogens; D017638:Asbestos, Crocidolite; D001194:Asbestos