Abstract
An x-ray diffractometric technique was used to study the crystalline composition of gallstones removed during surgery from 106 patients. Monohydrate cholesterol was found in the stones of 70 (66%) patients, either alone (33%) or in association with calcium salts (33%). The anhydrous form of cholesterol was found in the stones of 28 (26%) patients, either alone (10%) or in association with calcium salts (16%). These salts (vaterite, aragonite, and calcite) were found in 50% of cases in varying amounts (from 12% to 15% of the stone weight). Eight stones contained no cholesterol: 4 showed an amorphous pattern and 4 were composed of calcium carbonate salts. In 7 of 8 patients with bile duct stones concomitant with gallbladder stones, results of the diffractograms of the stones from the two different sites were comparable, even in 4 cases in which the stones were macroscopically different. Neither the macroscopic appearance nor the chemical structure of the stones appeared to be influenced by the patient's sex.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
