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Overview :
Diehl et al identified gallstone characteristics associated
with acute pancreatitis. The authors are from the University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio,
University of Kentucky, and Trinity University
(San Antonio).
Parameters:
(1) diameter of smallest gallstone in mm
(2) gallstone shape
Risk Factors for acute gallstone pancreatitis:
(1) at least
one gallstone < 5 mm (minimum size < 5 mm)
(2)
mulberry-shaped gallstone (spherical with the contact surface area reduced
because of the presence of surface grooves)
Microlithiasis was defined as a stone diameter <= 3 mm.
A patient at risk for gallstone pancreatitis should have a
cholecystectomy since the risk of watchful waiting is too great.
where:
• I wonder if
finding a stone with either characteristic in the common bile duct would be an
additional risk factor.
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