Hepatolithiasis

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Hepatolithiasis (pronounced heh-puh-toh-lih-thigh-uh-sis) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of calculi, or stones, in the intrahepatic bile ducts. The term is derived from the Greek words "hepar" (liver), "lithos" (stone), and "iasis" (condition).

Definition

Hepatolithiasis is a form of cholelithiasis that specifically refers to the formation of stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts, which are located within the liver. These stones can cause blockage and inflammation, leading to a variety of symptoms and potential complications.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of hepatolithiasis include abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. In some cases, the condition may be asymptomatic, meaning that it does not cause any noticeable symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of hepatolithiasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with bacterial infection, abnormal bile composition, and structural abnormalities of the bile ducts. It is more common in certain parts of the world, including East Asia and the Middle East.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hepatolithiasis typically involves imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used.

Treatment

Treatment for hepatolithiasis may involve medication to dissolve the stones, endoscopic procedures to remove them, or surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the stones, as well as the patient's overall health.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski