Gallstone and Gallbladder Disease: Biliary Tract and Cholangiopathies

Cholestatic liver diseases are named primarily due to the blockage of bile flow and buildup of bile acids in the liver. Cholestasis can occur in cholangiopathies, fatty liver diseases, and during COVID-19 infection. Most literature evaluates damage occurring to the intrahepatic biliary tree during cholestasis; however, there may be associations between liver damage and gallbladder damage. Gallbladder damage can manifest as acute or chronic inflammation, perforation, polyps, cancer, and most commonly gallstones. Considering the gallbladder is an extension of the intra-hepatic biliary network, and both tissues are lined by biliary epithelial cells that share common mechanisms and properties, it is worth further evaluation to understand the association between bile duct and gallbladder damage. In this comprehensive article, we discuss background informa-tion of the biliary tree and gallbladder, from function, damage, and therapeutic approaches. We then discuss published findings that identify gallbladder disorders in various liver diseases. Lastly, we provide the clinical aspect of gallbladder disorders in liver diseases and ways to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for congruent diagnosis. & COPY; 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4909-4943, 2023.

Automated summary

Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by blockage of bile flow and accumulation of bile acids in the liver. There may be associations between liver damage and gallbladder damage, as both tissues are lined by biliary epithelial cells. This comprehensive article discusses the background information of the biliary tree and gallbladder, identifies gallbladder disorders in various liver diseases, and provides clinical aspects and approaches for diagnosis and treatment.