Diagnosis and management of common bile duct stones in patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies

Nine of 35 patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies and cholelithiasis were found to have concomitant common bile duct (CBD) stones. We describe the diagnosis and management of these patients with CBD stones. Historical information, physical examination, and routine laboratory tests were unable to identify accurately the patients with CBD stones. Similarly, ultrasonography of the hepatobiliary system was an insensitive method for detecting CBD stones, as only 3 of 8 patients were correctly identified. In contrast, both an intraoperative cholangiogram and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were sensitive procedures for detection of CBD stones. We conclude that CBD stones are relatively common in patients with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis, and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for their presence.