Biomedical subjects

J L Dickerman

Publications and source records attributed to J L Dickerman.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1991

Gallbladder disease and coronary artery disease: is there a link?

Both gallstones and coronary artery disease are associated with cholesterol. Therefore, the literature was searched for evidence that gallbladder disease can be considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The problem has been approached from several angles. Studies designed to discover whether lipid profiles associated with gallbladder disease are similar to those associated with coronary artery disease have shown contradictory results. Autopsy studies have indicated that atherosclerosis appeared to be more extensive in patients with gallstones, but, again it was unclear whether the relationship was causal or merely reflected coincidental factors of some other origin. A study attempting to find a relationship between gallstone formation and a low-cholesterol diet actually showed a higher rate of gallstone formation among the patients on the low-cholesterol diet. Possible explanations for the results of these various studies are offered.

Arteriosclerosis↗

PubMed1990

Gallstone formation associated with weight reduction.

The author presents the case history of an obese patient in whom gallstones developed 5 months after she began a weight-loss program. Conservative management with chenodeoxycholic acid completely resolved cholelithiasis following four months of treatment. Gallstone-formation has traditionally been attributed to supersaturation of bile with cholesterol. However, the author proposes that the formation of gallstones may also be related to a change in gallbladder mechanics stimulated by dieting over an extended period. Recognition of this risk can lead to early diagnosis of gallstones, thus enhancing effective treatment by conservative methods.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Electrocardiographic changes in acute cholecystitis.

The syndrome of abdominal fullness and nausea, diaphoresis, chest pain, and ECG changes long has been associated with impending myocardial infarction. For a few patients, however, a working diagnosis of coronary ischemia is seen to be inaccurate on further testing, including stress testing and cardiac catheterization. Acute cholecystitis may cause a clinical picture similar to that of cardiac ischemia. The ECG changes that may occur in acute cholecystitis, the possible basis for these changes, and their clinical implications are discussed in this article.

Acute Disease↗