Reduction In Gallbladder Volume Research Articles

Cholecystokinin to Enhance the Safety of Ablation of Liver Tumors Adjacent to the Gallbladder

This retrospective case review describes the potential for intravenous cholecystokinin (CCK) to improve the safety margin between the hepatic tumor and gallbladder (GB) for hepatic tumor ablation. Eight patients with primary hepatic neoplasms adjacent to the GB underwent CCK administration before ablation. GB volume and contact area measurements were performed before and after CCK administration to assess the degree of contraction. The planned ablation was successful in 7 patients (88%) after CCK administration, although 5 patients (63%) also had hydrodissection. After CCK, the median GB volume reduction was 22%, and tumor contact area with the GB was reduced by 20%. There was no evidence for CCK-related adverse events. CCK administration before ablation of hepatic neoplasms abutting the GB is a safe and simple method that may be an adjunct to needle decompression or hydrodissection of the GB.

Cholagogue-induced gallbladder emptying in the diagnosis of canine biliary obstruction

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided cholagogue-induced gallbladder emptying for differentiating obstructive from non-obstructive hepatobiliary diseases was studied in icteric dogs. In 7 healthy Beagle dogs, Lipofundin 20% infusion (2 ml/kg orally) evoked a vigorous gallbladder contraction of 44.2% (range: 35.3-57.6%) and proved to be a useful, well-tolerable meal for routine use. In 24 icteric dogs, gallbladder contraction was evoked by different cholagogues: the maximum reduction in gallbladder volume (%) for the three non-obstructive icteric dogs was 43.9% (range, 39.0-46.5%). The average gallbladder contraction of the 21 dogs with biliary obstruction was less than 5%. In conclusion, the stimulation of gallbladder contraction with orally applied magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) or Lipofundin can be well demonstrated by ultrasound in dogs. The examination of cholagogue-induced gallbladder emptying is a valuable technique in icteric patients to indicate surgical intervention.

Does Impaired Gallbladder Function Contribute to the Development of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma?

IntroductionEsophageal adenocarcinoma is aetiologically associated with gastro-esophageal reflux, but the mechanisms responsible for the metaplasia–dysplasia sequence are unknown. Bile components are implicated. Impaired gallbladder function may contribute to duodenogastric reflux (DGR) and harmful GERD. AimsThis study aims to compare gallbladder function in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, adenocarcinoma, and controls. MethodsThree groups of patients, all free of gallstone disease, were studied. Group 1: (n = 15) were normal controls. Group 2: (n = 15) were patients with >3-cm-long segment of Barrett’s esophagus. Group 3: (n = 15) were patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Using real-time ultrasonography unit, gallbladder volume was measured in subjects following a 10-h fast. Ejection fraction was calculated before and after standard liquid meal and compared between the groups. ResultsThe mean percentage reduction in gallbladder volume was 50% at 40 min in the adenocarcinoma group compared with 72.4% in the control group (p < 0.001). At 60 min, gallbladder filling had recommenced in the control group to 64.1% of fasting volume while continuing to empty with further reduction to 63% in the Barrett’s group and to 50.6% (p = 0.008) in the adenocarcinoma group. The mean gallbladder ejection fraction decreased progressively from controls to Barrett’s to adenocarcinoma and was significantly lower in Barrett’s group (60.9%; p = 0.019) and adenocarcinoma group (47.9%; p < 0.001) compared with normal controls (70.9%). ConclusionGallbladder function is progressively impaired in Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma. Gallbladder malfunction increases duodenogastric reflux, exposing the lower esophagus to an altered chemical milieu which, in turn, may have a role in promoting metaplasia–dysplasia–neoplasia sequence in the lower esophageal mucosa.

Re: Myocardial Infarction Associated with Adderall XR and Alcohol Use in a Young Man

<i>Background</i>—Animal studies have shown that motilin affects gall bladder motility. In humans, no effect has been shown, but erythromycin, a motilin receptor agonist, induces gall bladder emptying. <i>Aims</i>—To explore the effect of increasing doses of exogenous motilin on gall bladder volume and antral contractility in the fasted state in humans. <i>Methods</i>—After an overnight fast, eight healthy men received increasing intravenous doses of Leu¹³-motilin (KW-5139) or 0.9% NaCl in a double blind, randomised fashion. Gall bladder volume and antral contraction frequency were determined by ultrasonography. <i>Results</i>—Infusion of motilin increased plasma motilin levels. Motilin induced a reduction in gall bladder volume of 8.0 (5.0)%, 17.1 (5.0)%, 18.5 (4.7)%, and 16.1 (4.9)% of baseline volume at the end of infusion of 2, 4, ,8 and 16 pmol/kg/min respectively, compared with mean stable gall bladder volumes during placebo infusion (p&lt;0.05). Antral contraction frequency increased during motilin infusion, but not during placebo infusion (p&lt;0.05). <i>Conclusions</i>—Exogenous motilin reducted fasting gall bladder volume and increased antral contractions. After reaching maximal reduction, the gall bladder volume did not decrease further during continuous motilin infusion at higher doses and stayed at the same reduced volume. The degree of gall bladder volume reduction during motilin infusion mimicked gall bladder emptying preceding antral phase III activity of the migrating motor complex in humans. This study indicates that motilin may play a physiological role in the regulation of gall bladder emptying in the fasted state.

Aussagefähigkeit der sonographischen Gallenblasenfunktionsprüfung bei Cholezystolithiasis

Decrease in gall-bladder volume after intake of a test meal was assessed by ultrasound in 30 patients (24 females, 6 males; mean age 55 [22-82] years) with indications for elective or early elective cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Patients were assigned to three groups, based on intraoperative and histological gall-bladder changes: group 1 (n = 17), without changes or with mild chronic cholecystitis; group 2 (n = 4), with severe chronic inflammatory changes; group 3 (n = 9), with acute cholecystitis or cystic duct occlusion. A volume decrease of at least 30% after the test meal excluded only acute wall inflammation (negative predictive value 95.5%), while a volume reduction of at least 50% made it possible in a high percentage of cases (negative predictive value 88.2%) to predict correctly an absence of severe chronic wall changes. Before organ-preserving treatment (extracorporeal lithotripsy or local litholysis) is undertaken, gall-bladder volume reduction of at least 50% should be documented.

Unexpected relationship between plasma protein binding and the pharmacodynamics of 2‐NAP, a CCK1‐receptor antagonist

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT?: * Two chemically diverse CCK1 receptor antagonists have been shown clinically to inhibit CCK-evoked contraction of human gallbladder [2, 3]. These studies have not examined the relationship between plasma concentration and effect, the latter usually considered to be predictive from the free drug concentration [8]. * We wanted to examine our novel CCK1 receptor antagonist in this validated model and also to explore its PK-PD relationship. * 2-NAP inhibited CCK-evoked human gallbladder contraction in vivo but at a plasma free concentration that was, in theory, too low to have achieved adequate CCK1 receptor occupancy. * The study serves as a caveat to the assumption that free plasma concentration can be used to predict pharmacological effect. To study the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 2-NAP (2-naphthalenesulfonyl-L-aspartyl-(2-phenethyl)amide), a selective CCK1 receptor antagonist in healthy volunteers. 2-NAP was given to 12 healthy male volunteers in an ascending dose, safety and PK phase 1a study by 1 h i.v. infusion (0.6-9.6 mg kg(-1) h(-1)). A further 12 healthy male volunteers received i.v. CCK-8S (6.25 pmol kg(-1) h(-1)) to produce gallbladder contraction, measured by ultrasound recordings of gallbladder volume, and the effect of concurrent i.v. 2-NAP administration was studied. Plasma protein binding in vitro and ex vivo was measured by ultrafiltration and by equilibrium dialysis. 2-NAP was generally well tolerated, displayed linear pharmacokinetics and a very high degree of plasma protein binding (99.9%). A 105 min i.v. CCK-8S infusion induced a reduction in gallbladder volume of 14.9 (+/-7.0) ml during placebo co-infusion and this was reduced to 2.4 (+/-5.9) ml when 2-NAP was co-infused with CCK-8S (P = 0.00024, paired t-test, mean change 12.5 ml; 95% CI For mean 7.4, 18.3 ml). This extent of inhibition was consistent with a 2-NAP total plasma concentration of 36 microm, but when protein binding corrections were made, the 'free concentration' of 2-NAP was only 0.04 microm, a value much less than the average equilibrium dissociation constant of 2-NAP for human CCK1 receptors ( approximately 0.7 microm). The pharmacological effect of a drug is usually considered to be determined by its free concentration. However, the complete inhibition of CCK-8S-evoked gallbladder contraction by a free plasma concentration of 0.04 microm 2-NAP was much greater than would have been predicted from simple drug-receptor occupancy theory and cautions against the general use of free concentration of drug for predicting pharmacological effect.

THE EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM SULFATE ON THE HUMAN GALLBLADDER

Purpose: Magnesium Sulfate has been used to treat many diseases, such as eclampsia, status asthmaticus. Mg SO4 may increase bile secretion and relax the sphincter Of Oddi, resulting in emptying and consequently a reduction of Gallbladder volume. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of magnesium on human Gallbladder by measuring the gallbladder volume. Methods: A double-blinded prospective study with 6 healthy volunteers. Each volunteer was randomly assigned three different meals on three different days: a fatty meal (positive control), normal saline (negative control) and 2 grams of oral magnesium sulfate. All volunteers fasted overnight and underwent an ultrasound to check the measurements of the gallbladder prior to the administration of a meal and thereafter at intervals of 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours After meal (total of 5 ultrasounds each day). The ultrasound operator was blinded to the designated meal during the entire study. The mean post-meal Gallbladder volumes and post-meal percentage change in Gallbladder volume were calculated. Paired T test was used to compare the pre-meal and post-meal Gallbladder volumes, as well as the post-meal Gallbladder volumes between normal saline, fatty meal and MgSO4. Results: The mean pre-meal Gallbladder volumes for fatty meal, MgSO4, and normal saline were 14.22 cc, 14.42cc and 12.52cc respectively. The mean post-meal Gallbladder volumes for the fatty meal, MgSO4, and normal saline groups were, 9.4cc, 11.3cc, 11.6cc respectively, while the mean percentage change post-meal were 32.8%, 24.1%, 5.1%, respectively. There was a significant change in Gallbladder volume post-meal after administration of fatty meal (p = 0.005) and MgSO4 (p = 0.01) compared to pre-meal volume There was a significant difference between mean percentage change in Gallbladder volume between normal saline and fat (p = 0.01) and between normal saline and MgSO4 (p = 0.03). The mean post-meal Gallbladder volumes for the MgSO4 at 30minutes, 1 hours, 2 hours and 4 hours were 11.79, 10.94, 10.65, and 11.98 respectively. The maximal effect occurred at 1 to 2 hours post its administration with p values of 0.0092 and 0.0074 respectively. The mean post-meal Gallbladder volume for normal saline at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours were 11.92, 11.41, 11.44, and 12 respectively. Conclusions: Our study shows that oral administration of MgSO4 has a significant effect on Gallbladder volume with maximum effect at 1 and 2 hours after medication.

Gall bladder emptying in severe idiopathic constipation

BACKGROUNDIt has been suggested that slow transit constipation (STC) may be part of a panenteric motor disorder.AIMTo evaluate motility of an upper gastrointestinal organ, the gall bladder, in 16 patients...

Motilin induces gall bladder emptying and antral contractions in the fasted state in humans

Background—Animal studies have shown that motilin affects gall bladder motility. In humans, no effect has been shown, but erythromycin, a motilin receptor agonist, induces gall bladder emptying.Aims—To explore the effect...

Stimulation of gallbladder emptying by intravenous lipids.

Few studies have dealt with the effect of i.v. administration of lipids on gallbladder emptying, and the results have been conflicting. Five healthy volunteers, three women and two men, aged 26 to 54 years, (mean, 29 years) were studied. Gallbladder emptying was assessed by means of real-time ultrasonography. In all subjects, the infusion of a 10% fat emulsion (Intralipid; Kabivitrum, Stockholm) over 3 hours caused a reduction in gallbladder volume. This effect was statistically significant at about 80 minutes of lipid infusion and became progressively more marked as the infusion progressed, reaching a reduction of approximately 30% during the third hour of infusion. A significant relationship (p < .001) was found between the concentration of serum triglycerides and the degree of gallbladder volume decrease. In control studies, infusion of physiologic saline containing glycerol, the excipient of intralipid, caused no significant changes in gallbladder volume. The results indicate that i.v. infusion of lipids is able to stimulate significantly contraction of human gallbladder.

Do patients with systemic sclerosis have abnormal gallbladder function?

To determine gallbladder motility in patients with systemic sclerosis. Case control study. University hospital, out-patient department of rheumatology. Ten patients with systemic sclerosis according to the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association with documented involvement of the gastrointestinal tract and 10 healthy controls matched for age, sex and body mass index. Cephalic vagal cholinergic simulation by modified sham feeding and hormonal stimulation by infusion of cholecystokinin. Gallbladder volume obtained by ultrasonography and determination of plasma cholecystokinin concentrations. Fasting gallbladder volumes were not significantly different between patients with systemic sclerosis and controls (19.6 +/- 1.9 cm3 and 23.3 +/- 2.9 cm3, respectively, mean plus or minus standard error of the mean). Neither were there significant differences in reduction of gallbladder volume in response to modified sham feeding (35 +/- 4% and 33 +/- 4%, respectively) nor during cholecystokinin infusion (56 +/- 4% and 60 +/- 6%, respectively). The increase in plasma cholecystokinin levels during infusion was not different in the two groups. Gallbladder motility in patients with systemic sclerosis is preserved in response to both cholinergic and hormonal stimulation, even when other gastrointestinal motor disturbances are present. These results suggest that patients with systemic sclerosis are not at increased risk for cholelithiasis because of gallbladder dysmotility.

Simultaneous assessment of gallbladder emptying in the dog by real-time ultrasonography and strain gauge.

Patterns of meal- and cerulein-induced gallbladder emptying (GBE) were compared in four dogs equipped with a force transducer implanted onto the body of the gallbladder, and in four unoperated animals. GBE was examined by real-time ultrasonography in conscious dogs. In two dogs the ultrasonographic measurement of GBE was performed simultaneously with the registration of the strain exerted on the force transducer fixed on the gallbladder body. Implantation of the force transducer onto the gallbladder impaired neither postprandial nor cerulein-induced GBE. The contractile response of the gallbladder exhibited a non-linear relationship to the gallbladder volume. The reduction of gallbladder volume to 50% of its basal value was accompanied by an increase in strain amounting to about 16% of the maximum response, whereas a pronounced augmentation of the strain was observed with gallbladder volume ranging between 30% and 10% of the basal value. On the other hand, the contractile response of the gallbladder registered by means of a force transducer was linearly related to the angle alpha contained between two radii passing from the gallbladder center towards the edges of the strain gauge: y = 0.852 alpha-30.97 (r = 0.959, P < 0.001) in the case of i.v. cerulein infusion at stepwisely increasing doses (0.7-2.2-7.4-22.2-66.5 pmol.kg-1 h-1), and y = 0.640 alpha-17.40 (r = 0.869, P < 0.001) for a 1-h constant-rate 22.2 pmol.kg-1 h-1 cerulein infusion.

Gall bladder contractility in neonates: effects of parenteral and enteral feeding.

The gall bladder size was measured in 30 newborn infants: 18 had been fed parenterally and 12 enterally. The two groups were comparable for gestational age, birthweight, postnatal age and study weight. Exclusion criteria were haemodynamic instability, septicaemia, abdominal disease and opioid treatment. Gall bladder size was measured at 15 minute intervals for 90 minutes using real-time ultrasonography and the volume calculated using the ellipsoid method. Parenterally fed infants had further measurements at 120, 150, and 360 minutes. The gall bladder was significantly larger in parenterally fed infants than in enterally fed infants (p = 0.0001). In enterally fed infants a 50% reduction in gall bladder volume was observed 15 minutes after starting the feed with a return to baseline volume by 90 minutes. In parenterally fed infants there was no gall bladder contraction. Such information may give insight into the pathophysiology of hepato-biliary complications during parenteral nutrition in infants.

Effect of erythromycin on gallbladder emptying in patients with antrectomy or truncal vagotomy: [formula omitted], M.L. Ledeboer, H.A.J. Gielkens, F.G.H. van der Kleij, C.B.H.W. Lamers. Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands

Erythromycin, a motilin-like agent, stimulates gallbladder contraction in healthy control subjects. Because the action of erythromycin is cholinergic dependent and possibly related to premature phase III migrating motor complex activity in the antrum, we investigated the effect of erythromycin on gallbladder volume in six patients with truncal vagotomy without gastric resection and 14 patients with antrectomy (6 with Billroth I anastomosis, 8 with Billroth II anastomosis), and we compared the results obtained with those in eight healthy controls. In addition, the effect of meal ingestion on gallbladder volume was studied.Gallbladder volumes, measured with ultrasonography, were determined every 15 min for 180 min after erythromycin infusion (3 mg/kg i.v.), as well as 30 and 60 min after meal ingestion.Basal gallbladder volumes were not significantly different among the four groups. Erythromycin induced a significant (p < 0.01-0.05) gallbladder contraction of maximal 46 +/- 6% in the controls, 49 +/- 9% in the patients with truncal vagotomy, and 38 +/- 7% in the patients with antrectomy and Billroth I anastomosis. In the patients with antrectomy and Billroth II anastomosis, no significant reduction in gallbladder volume after erythromycin was observed. Meal-induced gallbladder contraction was normal in all patients, including those with Billroth II anastomosis.These results indicate that neither the long vagus nerve nor the antrum is essential for erythromycin-induced effects on the gallbladder. Because no significant reduction in gallbladder volume in response to erythromycin was observed in the patients with antrectomy and Billroth II anastomosis, we suggest that duodenojejunal anatomical integrity is essential for erythromycin-induced gallbladder contraction.

Promotion of gallbladder emptying by intravenous aminoacids

Patients receiving total intravenous nutrition have inert gallbladders; gallbladder sludge and gallstones often develop, but are preventable if gallbladder emptying can be improved. We measured the effect of giving rapid intravenous infusions of aminoacid solutions in eight normal subjects. Four regimens were tested (250 mL over 30 min, 250 mL over 10 min, 125 mL over 5 min, and 50 mL over 5 min). Gallbladder emptying, as measured by ultrasound and cholecystokinin release, depended on both the amount and the rate of aminoacid infusion. Rapid infusion of 125 mL of an aminoacid mixture (Synthamin 14 without electrolytes) over 5 min (2·1 g per min) produced a 64% reduction in gallbladder volume within 30 min, whereas a 50 mL infusion over 5 min produced only a 22% reduction. Intermittent rapid infusion of small amounts of aminoacids may prevent gallstones in patients receiving intravenous nutrition.

Contraction and evacuation of the gallbladder studied simultaneously by ultrasonography and 99mTc-labeled diethyl-iminodiacetic acid scintigraphy.

Emptying of the gallbladder was studied by the simultaneous use of 99mTc-labeled diethyl-iminodiacetic acid [HIDA] scanning and real-time ultrasonography. In response to a liquid test meal the gallbladder volume was reduced for 80 min and then increased again, but the radionuclide evacuation continued and was more complete than could be explained by the reduction of gallbladder volume. In response to intravenous infusion of cholecystokinin, a maximal contraction of the gallbladder to 35% of the basal volume was obtained at 40 min, and 36% of the HIDA then remained in the gallbladder. In a separate series repeated intravenous injections of 99mTc-HIDA were given after the test meal, and the isotope was found to enter the gallbladder even when the gallbladder contracted. The results support the view that the gallbladder acts like a 'bellows' when contracting and that postprandial fluid secretion by the gallbladder mucosa may help to evacuate its contents.

Effect of loxiglumide and atropine on erythromycin-induced reduction in gallbladder volume in human subjects.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of erythromycin, a motilin agonist with prokinetic activity, on fasting gallbladder volume. To evaluate the mechanism of action of erythromycin on gallbladder motility, erythromycin (3.5 mg/kg.20 min, intravenously) was infused on three separate occasions: during cholinergic blockage with atropine (0.005 mg/kg.hr), during cholecystokinin receptor blockade with loxiglumide (10 mg/kg.hr) and during saline solution infusion (control). Atropine, loxiglumide and saline solution infusions were started 3 hr before administration of erythromycin and were continued for 3 hr thereafter. Gallbladder volumes (measured by ultrasonography), plasma cholecystokinin levels (radioimmunoassay) and plasma pancreatic polypeptide levels (radioimmunoassay) were determined at regular intervals for 6 hr in six healthy volunteers. During the 3-hr infusion before administration of erythromycin, both loxiglumide and atropine significantly increased gallbladder volumes--from 18 +/- 2 to 37 +/- 3 cm3 (p less than 0.05) and from 17 +/- 3 to 24 +/- 2 cm3 (p less than 0.05), respectively--whereas saline solution did not significantly affect gallbladder volume. During control saline solution infusion, erythromycin induced prolonged gallbladder contraction that was significant (p less than 0.05) between 60 and 180 min and reached a maximum of 45% +/- 8% at 150 min. Plasma cholecystokinin levels were not affected by erythromycin. Erythromycin induced a significant (p less than 0.05) increase in plasma pancreatic polypeptide levels, from 12 +/- 1 pmol/L to 34 +/- 3 pmol/L. Loxiglumide did not prevent the erythromycin-induced reduction in gallbladder volume. Atropine markedly reduced the effect of erythromycin, causing slight but significant (p less than 0.05) gallbladder volume reductions (18% +/- 4%) between 150 and 180 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Study of the effect of neurotensin on meal- and cerulein-induced gallbladder contraction.

We studied the effect of a low dose of neurotensin (2.5 pmol/kg/min) on meal- and cerulein-induced gallbladder contraction in 11 healthy volunteers by means of real-time ultrasonography. Ingestion of a meal caused a significant reduction in gallbladder volume which reached a maximum of 57 +/- 2% of the basal value at 60 min after the meal. The infusion of neurotensin caused a slight but not significant attenuation of the contractile response of the gallbladder to the meal (maximal reduction of 49 +/- 6%). Increasing doses of cerulein (10, 20 and 40 ng/kg/h, for 30 min at each dose) caused progressive reductions in gallbladder volume of 18 +/- 5, 72 +/- 5 and 89 +/- 4% with the three respective doses of cerulein used. The simultaneous administration of neurotensin did not significantly modify the gallbladder response to cerulein. The results indicate that neurotensin, at a dose of 2.5 pmol/kg/min, does not influence the gallbladder contraction stimulated by food or cerulein.

Effect of Intravenous Fat on Cholecystokinin Secretion and Gallbladder Motility in Man

During total parenteral nutrition (TPN) gallbladder bile stasis and hypomotility have been well documented. Little is known, however, about the effect of the separate components of TPN on gallbladder motor function. Inasmuch as fat, administered intraduodenally, is a potent stimulus of cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion and gallbladder contraction we have investigated whether intravenous (IV) fat affects gallbladder motility. Six healthy volunteers were studied on two separate occasions, during infusion of Intralipid 10%, 200 mL/h or saline infusion (control) for 3 hours, to evaluate the effect of IV infusion of fat on (1) plasma CCK concentration and gallbladder volume and (2) CCK-induced gallbladder emptying. Intravenous infusion of Intralipid resulted in significant increases in serum triglycerides from 0.9 +/- 0.1 to 5.1 +/- 1.3 mmol/L (at 90 min). During fat infusion no significant changes in plasma CCK and gallbladder volume were noted when compared with basal values or to the control experiment. During IV fat, concomitant infusion of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 Ivy dog unit (IDU) per kilogram per hour of CCK-33 resulted in a significant reduction in gallbladder volume from 26 +/- 6 cm3 (basal) to 15 +/- 4 cm3 (p less than .05), 6 +/- 2 cm3 (p less than .05) and 2.5 +/- 1 cm3 (p less than .05), respectively. No significant differences in CCK-induced gallbladder emptying were observed between IV fat and saline infusion (control). It is concluded that, in contrast to intraduodenal fat, IV infusion of fat does not affect (1) basal plasma CCK and gallbladder volume and (2) CCK-induced gallbladder contraction.

Sonographic evaluation of gallbladder kinetics: in vitro and in vivo comparison of different methods to assess gallbladder emptying.

In an in vitro study, 10 gallbladders of adult pigs and 6 gallbladders of lambs, all removed immediately after slaughtering, were stimulated in a water bath by electric means to induce active contraction. Gallbladder emptying was followed by ultrasonography employing five measurement procedures: (1) gallbladder width, (2) longitudinal planimetry, (3) transverse planimetry, (4) ellipsoid method, and (5) sum of cylinders method. In an in vivo investigation, gallbladder emptying of 30 volunteers (12 healthy subjects, 18 diabetics) was evaluated in the same way after ingestion of a fatty meal. Gallbladder width was found to be unsuitable to estimate the decrease in gallbladder volume due to a nonlinear relation of the parameters. Longitudinal planimetry tended to be less valid than transverse planimetry in assessing gallbladder volume reduction. The most valid estimation of gallbladder volume decreases was obtained by the two three-dimensional procedures. However, in neither in vitro nor in vivo could a significant difference between the sum of cylinders method and the ellipsoid method in determining relative volume reduction be established. We conclude that a three-dimensional measurement procedure should be used for valid assessments of gallbladder motility. However, according to our data there is no advantage in using the time-consuming sum of cylinders method compared to the simple ellipsoid method.