Cholelithiasis picture
Normally a balance of bile salts, lecithin and cholesterol keep gallstones from forming. If there are abnormally high levels of bile salts or, more commonly, cholesterol, stones can form. Symptoms usually occur when the stones block one of the biliary ducts. Gallstones may also be discovered upon routine x-ray or abdominal CT study.



Review Date: 4/13/2006
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team. Previously reviewed by J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; G. Eric Morgan, MS3; RxRemedy (9/25/2000).