Acholia

The pathological absence of bile secretion into the intestine, leading to loss of bile pigments in stool and urine, typically manifesting as acholic (pale) stools.

Possible causes

• Obstructive cholestatic disease: Gallstones, bile duct stricture, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer

• Hepatocellular cholestatic disease: Chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis, biliary atresia, genetic disorders with impaired bile transport such as Alagille syndrome, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis