Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Mali, U.
Changes Of The Gallbladder In Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
[ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University of Graz; 2013. pp. 65
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Cerwenka Herwig
- Thalhammer Michael
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- Abstract:
- Introduction: So far, little attention has been paid to simultaneous inflammatory gallbladder changes and pancreatic cancer and their interdependence. Methods: We used pre- and post-operative data of 195 patients who were operated for pancreatic cancer in the period from November 2000 to May 2010. The occurrence of cholecystitis and parameters of cholestasis and inflammation were determined and their interdependence with pancreatic cancer was analysed. Results: Cholecystitis in patients with pancreatic carcinoma was found in 78%. Most of our patients (66.5%) developed cholecystitis due to tumour localisation in the pancreatic head and obstruction of bile drainage, while common risk factors of pancreatic cancer and cholecystitis (e.g. adiposity, diabetes) may be the reasons in others. Analysis of cholestasis and inflammation parameters in combination with possible presence of cholecystitis showed that in patients with cholecystitis and elevated cholestasis and inflammation parameters, cholecystitis is usually due to tumours in the pancreatic head. Risk factors shared by cholecystitis and pancreatic cancer may be reasons for cholecystitis, elevated inflammation parameters and normal cholestasis parameters, while elevated parameters in absence of cholecystitis may occur due to cholangitis. Elevated inflammation parameters without cholestasis or cholecystitis may be attributed to other infections, favoured by a weakened immune system and/or underlying risk factors of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: Cholecystitis occurs frequently in patients with pancreatic cancer. Although cholecystitis, elevated cholestasis and inflammation parameters are usually late symptoms of pancreatic cancer and no specific tools for its early detection, they may be important for its diagnosis.