Etymed
choledocholithiasis
Definition
The formation or presence of stones (calculi) within the common bile duct
Clinical context
A 55-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with severe right upper quadrant pain radiating to her back, fever, and jaundice. She has a history of gallstones and recently experienced a bout of biliary colic. Physical examination reveals Murphy's sign and icterus. Lab studies show elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Imaging confirms dilated bile ducts with a filling defect.
Mnemonic
Cobblestone in the common duct causes choledocholithiasis
These morphemes also unlock…
- choledoch/o — common bile duct
- lith/o — stone
- iasis — condition; formation of