Risk factors associated with the diagnosis of choledochal lithiasis

Abstract

Objective: determine the risk factors associated with the diagnosis of choledochal lithiasis in patients with gallstones. Materials and methods: analytical retrospective cases and controls study, comparing three criteria for suspicious diagnosis of choledocholithiasis: clinical, laboratory and ultrasound criteria. Results: of 146 patients with cholecystolithiasis, 17 (11%) had choledocholithiasis. The clinical criteria for suspicion were nonspecific. There was a significant relationship when comparing cases and control groups between the levels of total and direct bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the diameter of the common bile duct measured by ultrasound. However, suspicion through the ultrasound criteria shows greater sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value than the clinical and laboratory criteria. Conclusion: high values ​​of total and direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and diameter of the common bile duct represents important risk factors for choledocholithiasis.