GALLBLADDER MOTILITY IN SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

In 20 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 24 healthy controls, gallbladder motility was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography after stimulation by a standard liquid meal, Results from patients with norm al and disturbed oesophageal function were analysed separately in orde r to investigate the significance of gallbladder motility as a paramet er for gastrointestinal involvement in SSc. All patients showed a mark ed decrease in gallbladder size after stimulation (patients 61 +/- 13% ; controls 48 +/- 12%). Patients with oesophageal dysfunction (n = 12) had a slightly lower gallbladder contraction (maximal decrease = 58 /- 13%) when compared to patients with normal oesophageal function (n = 8; 66 +/- 13%); however, this difference was not statistically signi ficant. Gallbladder motility in patients with SSc was not reduced when compared with healthy controls. SSc-induced oesophageal dysfunction w as not associated with impaired gallbladder motility. Thus, measuremen t of gallbladder emptying is not a helpful tool when looking for gastr ointestinal involvement in SSc.