ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the frequency of gall bladder wall thickness in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis.

Study design: Cross-sectional study

Place and duration of study: Department of Internal Medicine, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta from 01-01-2020 to 31-012-2020.

Methodology: Sixty eight diagnosed patients of liver cirrhosis, age ranging between 20 to 60 years, were randomly selected from indoor patient department and they were further evaluated for gall bladder wall thickness.The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and portal venous hypertension was made by ultrasonography of abdomen, especially hepatobiliary system. The gall bladder wall thickness is also evaluated by ultrasonography. Results: Mean age of the patients was 41.22±8.93 years. There were 35(51.5%) males while female patients were 33(48.5%). The mean duration of symptoms was 6.32±0.57 weeks. The duration of symptoms was ≤6 weeks in 45(66.2%) of patients, while 23(33.8%) of patients were having duration of symptoms >6 weeks. Twenty 20(29.4%) cases of liver cirrhosis patients were presented with gall bladder wall thickness, while rest 48(70.6%) were presented with normal gall bladder wall thickness on USG.

Conclusion: The gall‐bladder wall thickness is very common finding associated with liver cirrhosis. It requires no surgical intervention or any other specific medical therapy. Keywords: Gall‐bladder wall thickness; liver cirrhosis; portal venous hypertension; hypoalbuminemia