Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Biliary sludge
open-in-new
<h2 id="signs-and-symptoms">Signs and symptoms</h2> <h3>Complications</h3> <p>Biliary sludge may cause complications such as <a href="/facts/Biliary_colic/vVIlzhBl">biliary colic</a>, <a href="/facts/Acute_cholecystitis/7XK7kF9S">acute cholecystitis</a>, <a href="/facts/Acute_cholangitis/37cKJUB4">acute cholangitis</a>, and <a href="/facts/Acute_pancreatitis/d15Wh2q2">acute pancreatitis</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="cause">Cause</h2> <p>Biliary sludge has been associated with <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a>, rapid weight loss, <a href="/facts/Total_parenteral_nutrition/a27wA3AH">total parenteral nutrition</a>, drugs such as <a href="/facts/Ceftriaxone/9NpBWG12">ceftriaxone</a> and <a href="/facts/Octreotide/A7su7kgD">octreotide</a>, solid <a href="/facts/Organ_transplantation/1jNvVJn6">organ transplantation</a>, and gastric surgery.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a> In many of these conditions, it is thought that the impairment in the contractility of the gallbladder leads to the formation of the sludge.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="pathophysiology">Pathophysiology</h2> <p>The pathophysiology of biliary sludge formation is likely related to <a href="/facts/Gallbladder/RPdkQzQM">gallbladder</a> dysmotility.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a> It is presumed that because the gallbladder is unable to effectively empty, the biliary sludge can start to accumulate.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="diagnosis">Diagnosis</h2> <p>Biliary sludge is typically diagnosed by <a href="/facts/CT_scan/NusPJ2S8">CT scan</a> or <a href="/facts/Transabdominal_ultrasonography/tLjP82VP">transabdominal ultrasonography</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> <a href="/facts/Endoscopic_ultrasound/4kJgYu8a">Endoscopic ultrasonography</a> is another more <a href="/facts/Sensitivity_and_specificity/pzc9qfdz">sensitive</a> option. However, the <a href="/facts/Gold_standard_(test)/Hbf0tb93">gold standard</a> is considered to be direct microscopy of aspirated gallbladder bile.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a> This method is much more sensitive, although it is less practical.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="treatment">Treatment</h2> <p>For patients without symptoms, no treatment is recommended. If patients become symptomatic and/or develop complications, <a href="/facts/Cholecystectomy/petQE34t">cholecystectomy</a> is indicated.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a> For those who are poor surgical candidates, <a href="/facts/Endoscopy/L4V1fGPN">endoscopic</a> sphincterotomy may be performed to reduce the risk of developing <a href="/facts/Pancreatitis/gmbNTcCG">pancreatitis</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="prognosis">Prognosis</h2> <p>The clinical course of biliary sludge can do one of three things: (1) it can resolve completely, (2) wax and wane, or (3) progress to <a href="/facts/Gallstone/9bIB9MYT">gallstones</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a> If the biliary sludge has a cause (e.g. pregnancy), it oftentimes is resolved when the underlying cause is removed.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:23" href="#fn:23"><sup>23</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="epidemiology">Epidemiology</h2> <p>The prevalence of biliary sludge is low in the general population.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:24" href="#fn:24"><sup>24</sup></a> It has been reported that the prevalence ranges from 0-0.20% in men and 0.18-0.27% in women.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:25" href="#fn:25"><sup>25</sup></a> However, in patients with certain conditions, the prevalence may be higher.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:26" href="#fn:26"><sup>26</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Biliary_microlithiasis/5IRFYcrk">Biliary microlithiasis</a></li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>"Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders". Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Retrieved 15 January 2015. <a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/gallbladder_and_bile_duct_disorders/cholelithiasis.html" target="_blank">http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/gallbladder_and_bile_duct_disorders/cholelithiasis.html</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:12"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:13"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:14"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:14" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:15"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:15" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:16"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:16" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:17"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:17" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:18"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:18" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:19"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:19" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:20"><p>Shaffer, E. A. (2001). "Gallbladder sludge: What is its clinical significance?". Current Gastroenterology Reports. 3 (2): 166–73. doi:10.1007/s11894-001-0015-6. PMID 11276386. S2CID 46592201. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:20" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:21"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:21" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:22"><p>"Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders". Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Retrieved 15 January 2015. <a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/gallbladder_and_bile_duct_disorders/cholelithiasis.html" target="_blank">http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/gallbladder_and_bile_duct_disorders/cholelithiasis.html</a> <a href="#fnref:22" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:23"><p>"Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders". Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Retrieved 15 January 2015. <a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/gallbladder_and_bile_duct_disorders/cholelithiasis.html" target="_blank">http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/gallbladder_and_bile_duct_disorders/cholelithiasis.html</a> <a href="#fnref:23" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:24"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:24" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:25"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:25" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:26"><p>Pazzi, P; Gamberini, S; Buldrini, P; Gullini, S (2003). "Biliary sludge: The sluggish gallbladder". Digestive and Liver Disease. 35 Suppl 3: S39-45. doi:10.1016/s1590-8658(03)00093-8. PMID 12974509. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:26" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>