Gallbladder diseases detected by ultrasound and correlated risk factors

Background. Gallbladder diseases are relatively common, most of which are asymptomatic, others may be presented with right hypochondriac pain. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, long-term fasting, rapid weight reduction, bariatric surgery and drugs are associated with bile stasis and hence participate in gallstone formation. The study aimed to determine the variety of gall bladder disease detected by ultrasound in Iraqi patients. Methods. This study involved a randomly selected sample of 100 men and 100 women who attended the ultrasound clinic at Emamein Kadhimein Medical City for abdominal ultrasonography for various reasons in a period of 8 months (Oct 2022-Jul 2023). Data about age, sex, risk factors and symptoms were collected from those who had ultrasound features of gall bladder diseases. Results. It was found that gall bladder diseases are more common in women (23% of all examined women) than men (11% of all examined men). The most affected age groups are between 40-49, the percentage of women affected in this age group is 30.47% and men 12%. Most of the cases were without symptoms. The most common ultrasound finding is gallstones, where the percentage of affected women reached 82.6% and the affected men 81.8%. Conclusion. Ultrasound has a valuable role in screening, detection and follows up of gall bladder diseases. It is safe, available and cost-effective examination. Gall bladder diseases particularly gall stones are relatively common in Iraqi population, being more common in middle age women with clear association with obesity and multiparty among other risk factors. Most of patients were asymptomatic others presented with symptoms like abdominal pain.