ABSTRACT

Aim: To examine the association of gallbladder wall thickness in patients presented with liver cirrhosis.

Study Design: Prospective study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gastroenterology, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta from 1st July 2018 to 30th September 2020.

Methodology: One hundred and sixty patients both genders with liver cirrhosis of Child Pugh Class A were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups; Group A (esophageal varices) and group B (non esophageal varices). Ultrasonographically gallbladder wall thickness was examined. Gallbladder wall thickness >4mm was considered as abnormal.

Results: Patients with esophageal varices had significantly increased gallbladder wall thickness 4.96±0.85 mm as compared to patients with non esophageal varices 2.54±076 mm. In group A, 65 (81.25%) patients had gallbladder wall thickness >4mm while in group B, 8 (10%) patients had gallbladder wall thickness >4mm and significant difference was observed between both groups with p-value <0.0001.

Conclusion: Measuring gallbladder wall thickness is very useful for detection of esophageal varices in cirrohotic patients. A significant association was found between gallbladder wall thickness and liver cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices.

Keywords: Liver cirrhosis, Gallbladder wall thickness, Esophageal varices