The formation of stones in the gallbladder is called cholelithiasis. The two types of gallstones are cholesterol and pigment stones.
Cholesterol stones are usually yellow-green, consist primarily of hardened cholesterol.
In the United States, more than 80 percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones.
Pigment stones are dark in color, consist primarily of unconjugated-bilirubin and calcium salts.
In this video, Dr. Mobeen Syed discusses the pathophysiology of pigment stones formation.
The pigment stones formation is a complex process; however, it is notable that whenever the amount of unconjugated-bilirubin increases in the biliary system, it results in pigment stones formation.
The primary causes of pigment stones formation are hemolytic anemia and diminished capacity of the hepatocytes to conjugate bilirubin.
In hemolytic anemia, there is abnormal destruction of red blood cells. Increased breakdown of hemoglobin may result in an increased level of unconjugated-bilirubin, which results in the formation of pigment stones.
Liver infection can limit the ability of hepatocytes to conjugate bilirubin. So, unconjugated-bilirubin passes into the bile and causes pigment stones formation.
Pigment stones consist of unconjugated-bilirubin and calcium (calcium phosphate) salts that are present in the bile.
Dr. Mobeen Syed also discusses the prevalence of gallstones based on age and gender. The prevalence of gallstone is only 5- 6 % in people who are less than 40 years of age. The prevalence of gallstone is about 25% of people who are more than 40 years of age. The gallstones are twice as prevalent in white women than men.
The Native American population can have cholesterol stones prevalence reaches up to 75%. Interestingly, pigment stones are rare in them.
Similarly, western industrialized nations have more prevalence of gallstones than developing countries.
The following topics have discussed:
* Cholelithiasis
* Pathophysiology of pigment stones
* Causes of pigment stones formation
* Prevalence of gallstones
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