Understanding Cholesterolosis of Gallbladder: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

The gallbladder is a small organ that lies below the liver in the abdomen’s right upper quadrant. It functions as a container for the bile fluids produced in the liver. The bile fluids aid the digestion process.
Cholesterolosis is characterized by the buildup of cholesteryl-esters in the gallbladder, resulting in polyps forming inside the gallbladder. Cholesteryl-esters are normally present in the bile, and the exact cause of cholesterolosis is not entirely understood. Cholesterolosis is common in adults, and some theories suggest that it is a normal part of normal aging.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Strawberry Gallbladder
- Gallbladder cholesterolosis
- Gallbladder polyps

Signs & symptoms

Cholesterolosis mostly cause no symptoms at all. In some cases, patients may feel symptoms such as:
- Pain or discomfort in the stomach’s right upper quadrant.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Dark urine.
- Pale stool.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made by "accident" during an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan.
Further investigating may be indicated to provide additional information and exclude other diseases. Including questioning, investigating the medical history, and physical examination. Further tests include:
- Blood testing – including liver function tests.
- Additional imaging tests – such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI.
- Biopsy – a procedure performed by inserting a needle to the gallbladder through the skin, and extraction of a small sample for microscopic inspection.

Treatment

In most cases, cholesterolosis require no treatment. However, some life changes may be advisable, such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol drinking, smoking cessation, and avoiding high-sugar and high-fat meals.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital