Cracking the Code: How Doctors Diagnose Acalculous Cholecystitis
Published: May 07, 2024
Diagnosing acalculous cholecystitis can be like solving a medical mystery. This article explores the tests doctors use to uncover this sneaky gallbladder condition.
Contents
The Ultrasound: First Line of Defense
Ultrasound is usually the go-to test for suspected acalculous cholecystitis. It's quick, non-invasive, and can be done at the bedside. Doctors look for telltale signs like a thickened gallbladder wall (over 3.5mm), fluid around the gallbladder, or a sonographic Murphy's sign (pain when the probe presses on the gallbladder during breathing).
CT Scan: The Detailed View
When ultrasound results are unclear, a CT scan may be ordered. This provides a more detailed look at the gallbladder and surrounding tissues. Signs of acalculous cholecystitis on CT can include gallbladder wall thickening, inflammation around the gallbladder, or even gas in the gallbladder wall in severe cases.
HIDA Scan: The Functional Test
A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows how well the gallbladder is functioning. A radioactive tracer is injected and should normally appear in the gallbladder within an hour. If it doesn't, this suggests blockage or inflammation consistent with acalculous cholecystitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, acalculous cholecystitis is typically diagnosed with imaging and clinical findings.
Each test has strengths and limitations; combining tests improves accuracy.
Blood tests support diagnosis but aren't specific enough alone.
Ultrasound and CT are quick; HIDA scans can take several hours.
Key Takeaways
While challenging, a combination of clinical assessment and imaging tests allows doctors to accurately diagnose acalculous cholecystitis.
Curious about gallbladder testing? Ask Doctronic about the latest diagnostic techniques for acalculous cholecystitis.Related Articles
References
Mariat G, Mahul P, Prév t N, et al. Contribution of ultrasonography and cholescintigraphy to the diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis in intensive care unit patients. Intensive Care Med 2000; 26:1658.
Mirvis SE, Vainright JR, Nelson AW, et al. The diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis: a comparison of sonography, scintigraphy, and CT. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1986; 147:1171.
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