Cholesterolosis & Gallstones

Cholesterolosis and cholesterol gallstones coexist in about 50% of cholecystectomies and 10% of autopsy specimens. They can coexist but occur independently of each other. Both conditions are promoted by bile that is supersaturated with cholesterol. Cholesterol hypersecretion by the liver and increased absorption and esterification by gallbladder epithelium likely play a major role in the pathogenesis of cholesterolosis.

The photograph shows several cholesterol gallstones and cholesterolosis in a gallbladder. Image courtesy of: Dr. Jian-Hua Qiao; used with permission.