Sitting on the right side of the abdomen, the gallbladder is a small pear-shaped pouch that stores bile, the digestive fluid produced by the liver. The gallbladder pushes bile through its ducts into the small intestine, helping to break down ingested fats. Fairly commonly, however, this small, unassuming organ can produce problems, such as:
Gallstones – Elements in bile, like cholesterol and bilirubin, can harden into gallstones, which may vary in size from a pinpoint to a ping-pong ball. Oftentimes, gallstones sit within the gallbladder unnoticed, posing no harm. Oddly enough, the larger ones often stay put, while smaller ones may sweep into the opening of the gallbladder or its bile ducts, creating pain, inflammation, fever, a racing heart and dark urine.
In serious cases, these blockages can lead to gallbladder disease, gallstone pancreatitis, poor nutrient absorption, jaundice, and inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis.
Cholecystitis – When a gallstone, cyst, abscess or other issue creates an infection in the gallbladder, it is often accompanied by abdominal pain, inflammation and fever, and sometimes requires surgery.
Gallstone pancreatitis – When gallstones close off the ducts that push fluids out of the pancreas, it can cause dangerous inflammation or enlargement, demanding rapid treatment.
Cancer – Gallbladder cancer is uncommon, and typically produces no symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, when it may produce abdominal pain, inflammation, fever and other signs.
Anyone can develop gallstones, but they occur most commonly among people ages 40 and older, and more often in women owing to a greater average percentage of body fat and estrogen’s increased cholesterol production.
People undergoing abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right part of the abdomen, and often after a heavy or especially rich meal, may be experiencing gallbladder issues, requiring medical testing.
IMAGING TESTS FOR GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS
After performing blood tests for signs of infection and inflammation, your doctor may order one or more of the following imaging tests of the gallbladder:
Abdominal ultrasound – This noninvasive, painless test is usually the preferred test for gallstones because it is easy, quick, and requires no special preparation. However, it may not be able to provide the level of detail needed to discover a gallstone lodged within what is called the common bile duct, necessitating alternate or additional testing.
MRCP – A specialized type of MRI, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography produces highly detailed views of the bile ducts. It is painless, noninvasive and radiation-free, and most often used when the biliary system requires deep investigation.
CT – Computed tomography creates sophisticated x-ray images of the abdomen, related organs and bile ducts. It may be a preferred imaging test over MRI due to its comparative speed, convenience, cost and greater availability to more patients, including those with metal implants.
NUCLEAR TEST ON GALLBLADDER
Hepatobiliary/Gallbladder Scan – This nuclear medicine scan utilizes a tiny amount of radioactive material to highlight gallbladder disease, assess gallbladder function and identify duct blockages. Because the small dose of radiation leaves the body quickly after testing, this scan is considered safe for most patients, but contraindicated for women who are pregnant or nursing.
RAO FOR GALLBLADDER IMAGING
RAO offers the latest, most sophisticated gallbladder imaging, including ultrasound, MRI, CT and nuclear medicine scanning. All imaging is scrutinized by our fellowship-trained radiology team, which includes doctors who subspecialize in diagnostic radiology, body MRI and nuclear medicine. Our imaging centers maintain ongoing accreditation in ultrasound, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine and other leading-edge services for ultimate safety and accuracy.
