Choledocholithiasis is the formation or presence of stones in the biliary tract. It can cause attacks of biliary colic, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, or biliary tract infection (cholangitis).
Acalculous biliary pain is biliary colic that occurs in the absence of gallstones, is associated with structural or functional abnormalities, and sometimes requires laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Cholelithiasis refers to the presence of one or more stones (gallstones) in the gallbladder. In the United States, 20% of people over age 65 have gallstones, and most disorders of the extrahepatic biliary tract are the result of cholelithiasis.
Liver granulomas may have a variety of causes and are usually asymptomatic. However, diseases that cause granuloma formation may cause extrahepatic symptoms and/or lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, and portal hypertension.
Fibrolamellar carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and angiosarcoma are relatively rare. Biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis is usually poor.
Primary liver cancer is usually hepatocellular carcinoma. Most liver cancers have non-specific symptoms, which delays timely diagnosis. The prognosis is usually poor.
Benign liver tumors are quite common. They are usually asymptomatic, but in some cases they cause hepatomegaly, discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, or intra-abdominal bleeding.
Portal vein thrombosis leads to portal hypertension and subsequently to gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis is based on ultrasound. Treatment is mainly aimed at control and prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding (usually endoscopy or intravenous octreotide), sometimes vascular bypass or beta-blockers; thrombolysis is possible in acute thrombosis.
