To investigate clinicopathologic findings and gallbladder (GB) function in patients with endoscopic bile reflux at outpatients clinic.

We classified endoscopic bile reflux into two groups by bile reflux index (BRI). Those who scored above 14 were the BRI (+) group, and those below 14 were the BRI (-) group. We analyzed clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings including Helicobacter pylori, GB function by DISIDA scan, and electron microscope (EM) findings of endoscopic bile reflux. And we compared clinicopathologic characteristics and GB function between two groups.

Endoscopic bile reflux identified in 9.7% of all cases with gastrointestinal symptoms. There are cholecystectomy in 6.7%, gastrectomy in 2.7%, and GB dysfunction in 20.0%. They had prominent gastrointestinal symptoms with variable endoscopic findings. Foveolar hyperplasia is the most common pathologic finding and H. pylori colonization of the stomach was inhibited in cases of bile reflux gastritis. Bile reflux also had distinguishable ultra-structural changes identifiable by EM. BRI (+) group had more old age, GB dysfunction than BRI (-) group. Clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings did not differ between the two groups of endoscopic bile reflux.

Endoscopic bile reflux was common findings with young adults (30's) at outpatients clinic. Foveolar hyperplasia is common pathologic finding. GB dysfunction were identified as significant risk factors for BRI (+) group.