ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Middlemore Hospital - Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
Purpose: Choledocholithiasis (CDL), the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct (CBD), significantly increases the risk of severe biliary complications, such as cholangitis and pancreatitis, if not promptly diagnosed and treated. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of static and dynamic liver function tests (LFTs) for diagnosing CDL, to improve non-invasive diagnostic tools, and to reduce unnecessary procedures.
Methodology: A retrospective review was conducted at Middlemore Hospital involving 504 patients who underwent acute inpatient MRCPs in 2022. The collected clinical variables included patient demographics, liver enzyme tests and imaging modalities. Logistic regression and linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse the association between liver enzyme levels and CDL. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of each liver enzyme.
Results: Of 504 MRCPs, 102 were positive for stones, all of which were confirmed by ERCP. Significant differences in bilirubin, ALP, and GGT levels were observed between CDL and non-CDL patients. Dynamic changes in ALP and GGT levels were significant, with CDL being associated with a downward trend in liver enzymes. Elevated GGT levels had the strongest association with CDL (Adjusted OR 5.27; p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed modest diagnostic accuracy for ALP and GGT (AUC: 0.69 and 0.68, respectively).
Conclusion: Liver enzymes alone are unreliable for diagnosing CDL, with ALP and GGT showing modest predictive value. This study underscores the need for standardised diagnostic protocols and further research on the biochemical manifestations of CDL to enhance diagnostic accuracy and management.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Renato Pitesa - , Dr Wai Yan (Rachel) Yuen - , Miss Nadia Meyer - , Mr Garth Poole - , Mr Parry Singh -