Cholestasis
Cholestasis Definition
Cholestasis is a medical condition where the bile fluids cannot pass from the liver to the duodenum. This condition occurs when gallstones block the bile ducts due to side effects from other diseases or as a genetic defect in a person's DNA.
Cholestasis Etiology
Cholestasis is linked as a result of of other diseases such as abdominal mass cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis, gallstones, biliary tract anomalies, biliary cirrhosis, biliary trauma, and Intraheptic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. It can also be an effect of some drugs such as Flucloxacillin and Erythromycin.
Cholestasis Histopathology
Cholestasis is seen to have developed when individual hepatocytes have a green to brown appearance in the cytomplasm, meaning that the bile cannot exit the cell. Canalicular bile plugs can also be seen, thus they cannot go out of the cell without destroying them. The pressure they cause leads to rupture, and the bile spills to the other tissues creating hepatic necrosis.
Cholestasis Symptoms and Signs
Cholestasis can be diagnosed after a patient displays the following symptoms: Dark urine Pale stools Itchiness Jaundice