[Limey bile (author's transl)].

Abstract

Since 1937 we have seen 43 cases of limey bile. The clinical and radiological features and pathological and chemical characteristics are described. Radiological investigation is essential for diagnosis. There are no characteristic clinical findings. Pathologically, the gall bladder shows mild inflammatory features with occlusion of the cystic duct, the gall bladder containing calcium-rich white bile. Calcium carbonate exists as a crystalline or amorphous sediment. The calcium carbonate excretion has not resulted in stone formation. Limey bile is produced by the gall bladder in the gall bladder mucosa. The reason for the high calcium carbonate content and for the crystalline form is unknown. In our experience limey bile is not an early stage in the formation of gall stones, nor does it result from a calcified gall bladder empyema. Limey bile must be considered as a parallel process to the formation of calcium carbonate stones.