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Living with Low phospholipid associated cholelithiasis

A rare inherited liver condition with low phospholipids in bile and repeated gallstones that start before age 40.

Understanding Low phospholipid associated cholelithiasis

Low phospholipid associated cholelithiasis is a rare genetic liver disease with low levels of phospholipid in bile and recurring gallstones.

The gallstones cause symptoms and develop before the age of 40. It is noticed in adults.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
  • Belly pain from gallstones (abdominal colic)
  • Bile flow problems in the liver (intrahepatic cholestasis)
  • Overweight

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in ABCB4 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Would ABCB4 gene testing help our family?
How often should my liver be checked?
Should I see a liver specialist (hepatologist)?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive
GenesABCB4

It is caused by changes in the ABCB4 gene. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive way.

GeneticGastrointestinal

Also known as: abcb4 gene mutation-associated cholelithiasis; abcb4-related cholelithiasis; cholelithiasis with abcb4 gene mutation; cholelithiasis, low phospholipid-associated; gallbladder disease 1; gallbladder disease type 1

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Low phospholipid associated cholelithiasisGARD ID 16683 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Low phospholipid associated cholelithiasis.

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