Size of the Gallbladder in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The surface of the X-ray shadow of the gallbladder was determined by a planimeter in 100 random patients examined for complaints suggesting gallbladder disease, in whom the viscus was well visualized and no gallstones were discernible. No correlation was found between the gallbladder size and body surface or sex.The mean surface of the gallbladder shadow in thirty-two diabetic patients was significantly larger than the mean surface in forty-three nondiabetic individuals. The frequency of large gallbladders (over 24 sq. cm.) was higher among the diabetic than the nondiabetic individuals.

Diurnal profile of gallbladder size in diabetic patients: Ultrasonographic evaluation of diabetic neurogenic gallbladder.

“…The mean surface area of the gallbladder, measured from X-ray shadows, in diabetic patients is significantly larger than that in nondiabetic individuals (Gitelson et al 1969). In some diabetic patients the large gallbladder may be a manifestation of biliary dyskinesia due to autonomic neuropathy and is sometimes called "diabetic neurogenic gallbladder" (Gitelson et al 1963).…”

“…In some diabetic patients the large gallbladder may be a manifestation of biliary dyskinesia due to autonomic neuropathy and is sometimes called "diabetic neurogenic gallbladder" (Gitelson et al 1963). Bloom and Stachenfeld (1969) reported that four (16%) out of 25 diabetic patients had Ultrassonography is superior to X-ray cholecystography and other methods since ultrasonography is non-invasive, harmless and does not rely on the contrast media metabolism.…”

Outcome Analysis of Patients with Gallstone Disease Receiving Cholecystectomy: A Population-Based Cohort Study

“…The fasting gallbladder volume in T2DM patients is greater than that of controls, suggesting hypotonicity of gallbladder, resulting in bile stasis. The bile ejection fraction after stimulus is decreased in patients with T2DM both after a meal and after infusion of cholecystokinin [34]. Neuropathy, a complication of T2DM, may also contribute to the decreased gallbladder motility [35].…”

Glucose Intolerance and Hepatic, Biliary Tract and Pancreatic Dysfunction

“…Some studies of bile from diabetic pa tients suggest supersaturation [179,180] while others [181] report no differences in lithogenicity when compared with controls. In diabetic patients, cholecystomegaly [182,183] with impaired gallbladder emptying [184,185], may predispose to crystal and gallstone formation. Indeed, the cholecys tomegaly seen in diabetic patients mimics that seen after vagotomy [186,187] and may be another consequence of diabetic visceral neuropathy.…”