Liver, etc. 8 - Pathology of Biliary tree and panceas Flashcards
What is the scientific name for Gallstones?
Cholelithiasis
what are gallstones (cholelithiasis)?
“Hard stone-like or gravel-like material formed within the biliary system most commonly the gallbladder”
What is normal bile formed from? (4)
Micelles of cholesterol, phospholipid, bile salts and bilirubin
What is bilirubin formed from?
The breakdown of RBCs in the spleen
Where are bile salts formed?
In the hepatocytes
Where is bile formed?
In the liver
Where is bile stored and concentrated?
In the gallbladder
Where is bile released?
Into the 2nd part of the duodenum through the common bile duct and Ampulla of vater
What hormone stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder into the the 2nd part of the duodenum?
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
What causes gallstones to form?
When there is an imbalance between the ratio of cholesterol to bile salts disrupting micelle formation
What are the 3 different types of gallstones that can form? - different gallstones depends on the different concentrations of constituents
Cholesterol stonesPigement stonesMixed stones
When do cholesterol stones form?
When there is an excess of cholesterol in bile
What are the risk factors for the formation of cholesterol bile stones? (4)
Female genderObesityDiabetesGenetics
What do cholesterol gallstones often look like?
Large and often solitary
When do pigment stones form?What can cause this (risk factor)?
When excess bilirubin cannot be solubilised in bile saltsExcess haemolysis e.g. haemolytic anaemia
Appearance of cholesterol gallstones?
Small, friable, irregular
Other than the composition of bile, what may also contribute to the formation of gallstones?
Gallbladder pH and mucosal glycoproteins
What type of gallstones are most gallstones?
Mixed
In general, what problems do gallstones cause?
Infection and inflammation of the biliary lining
What conditions can gallstones cause? (10)
Acute cholecystitisChronic cholecystitisMucocoeleEmpyemaCarcinomaAscending cholangitisObstructive jaundiceGallstone ileusAcute pancreatitisChronic pacnreatitis
What is cholecystitis?
Inflammation of the gallbladder
What is cholecystitis usually associated with?
Gallstones
What causes acute cholecystitis?
Gallstones obstructing outflow of bile (initially sterile and then becomes infected)
What complications can acute cholecystitis cause? (4)
EmpyemaRupturePeritonitisIntense adhesions form within 2-3 days