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Is Gall Bladder Removal The Right Treatment For Acute Cholecystitis?

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Posted on Wed, 11 May 2016
Question: I have been having RUQ pain for 4 weeks, constantly. Ended up at the Er. Labs were normal. Had ultrasound and CT Scan. Results of ultrasound wereBILIARY: Trace echogenic layering material within the gallbladder, most
consistent with gallbladder sludge. Possible adenomyomatosis of the
gallbladder fundus. The gallbladder otherwise demonstrates a normal
appearance, without evidence for gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening
or pericholecystic fluid. The ultrasonographer reports absence of
sonographic Murphy's sign. The common bile duct demonstrates a normal
diameter and measures 0.4 cm.

IMPRESSION:
Trace gallbladder sludge. No sonographic evidence of cholelithiasis or
acute cholecystitis. Was told everything looked normal. Saw my doc, who ordered a Hida scan. Was told XXXXXXX ejection fraction was 28% and I should have my gallbladder removed. Pain is constant, not triggered by meals. Have lost 15 pounds and I'm not overweight to begin with. Do you agree that gallbladder surgery is the way to go?
Ct scan results
Report Status: ***Signed***

CT ABDOMEN AND PELVIS WITH INTRAVENOUS CONTRAST

TECHNIQUE:
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed WITH intravenous
administration of 80 cc of Isovue 370. Coronal and sagittal reformatted
images were generated.

COMPARISON: Same day right upper quadrant and retroperitoneal ultrasound.
CT abdomen and pelvis 2/7/2013.

FINDINGS:
LOWER THORAX: The partially visualized lung bases are without focal
consolidation or pleural effusion. The visualized heart is within normal
limits for size. No pericardial effusion.

HEPATOBILIARY: Tiny area of hypodensity within the anterior liver,
adjacent to the falciform ligament and likely representing focal fatty
deposition versus perfusional variant; findings without significant
interval change. The hepatic parenchyma otherwise demonstrates a normal
enhanced appearance. No intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary ductal
dilatation is identified. The gallbladder is physiologically distended.

SPLEEN: The spleen demonstrates a normal size and is without focal
lesion.

PANCREAS: The pancreas homogeneously enhances without focal lesion.

ADRENAL GLANDS: Mild thickening of bilateral adrenal glands, without
focal nodularity.

KIDNEYS AND URETERS: Bilateral kidneys demonstrate symmetric enhancement.
No hydroureteronephrosis or nephroureterolithiasis.

STOMACH/GI TRACT: Evaluation performed without enteric contrast. Surgical
clips noted at the gastroesophageal junction. Region of central
hypoattenuation at the gastroesophageal junction (axial image 15),
similar in appearance compared to 2013 and presumably secondary to
postoperative change. The stomach is decompressed, containing a small
amount of fluid. Mild wall thickening of the gastric antrum, likely
secondary to underdistention. Several fluid-filled, nondistended loops of
jejunum. No associated fat stranding surrounding the small bowel. No
small or large bowel dilation or appreciable wall thickening to suggest
inflammation. The distal descending and rectosigmoid colon is
predominantly decompressed. No pericolonic fat stranding. Lipomatous
change of the ileocecal valve, likely physiologic. Colonic diverticulosis
without evidence to suggest diverticulitis. The appendix is patent,
nondistended and without evidence of periappendiceal inflammation.

PELVIC ORGANS/BLADDER: The urinary bladder is underdistended. No
significant perivesical fat stranding. The uterus is anteverted and
anteflexed, and grossly unremarkable. Phleboliths within the pelvis.

PERITONEUM AND RETROPERITONEUM: No free fluid or pneumoperitoneum. In
addition to GE junction clips, surgical clips identified in the left
upper quadrant.

LYMPH NODES: A few subcentimeter lymph nodes are seen adjacent to the
thoracic aorta, without significant interval change from 2013. Scattered
mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes without lymphadenopathy by CT
size criteria.

VESSELS: Scattered atherosclerotic vascular calcification of the
abdominal aorta and its major branches. The abdominal aorta is
nonaneurysmal. Heterogeneous appearance of the inferior vena cava (for
instance, axial image 10) is likely secondary to mixing of contrast.

BONES AND SOFT TISSUES: Tiny fat-containing umbilical hernia. The
overlying soft tissues are otherwise unremarkable. Mild multilevel
degenerative changes of the visualized spine.

IMPRESSION:
1. No CT evidence of acute intra-abdominal or intrapelvic abnormality.
2. Colonic diverticulosis without specific evidence to suggest
diverticulitis.
3. No evidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm as questioned.
4. Changes at the gastroesophageal junction as described, without
significant interval change compared to 2013 and presumably secondary to
postoperative change. However, clinical correlation is recommended.


Date/Time of Dictation: 02/1
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms and findings most likely require surgery

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below

1. I come across patients with problems similar to yours and would like to help you out.

2. The ultrasound scan report shows that there is sludge in gall bladder with questionable adenomyomatosis pattern in the fundus region. Adenomyomatosis is a thickening of the mucosa in wall of gall bladder probably from chronic inflammation. A focal adenomyomatosis is sometimes difficult to differentiate from a malignancy.

3. Since you are having pain in the right upper quadrant with a suspected adenomyomatosis of gall bladder fundus therefore your doctor is right in suggesting surgical management. Your recent weight loss is also a matter of concern.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (13 hours later)
Would you recommend endoscopy before having this procedure?
Also, why would they tell me this test result was normal? My Doctor didn't even seem concerned about the adenomyomatosis, he just said sludge.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy will be beneficial if not done in past

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Endoscopy is not always required in your situation but if it is done then it will be beneficial in knowing if you have any stomach condition like gastritis which will not be seen through other investigations. I will recommend upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as an additional test if you hsve not got it done in past 5 years.

2. I have read through your report findings earlier and it is important to note gall bladder sludge and adenomyomatosis. A gall bladder sluge almost always causes stones. Regarding adenomyomatosis it is not a serious condition but if it is only in the fundus then it requires close follow up.

3. I feel that the word normal has been used in context that there is no immediate emergency situation from any acute condition. You can plan things and go for an elective surgery after discussing with your doctor.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Is Gall Bladder Removal The Right Treatment For Acute Cholecystitis?

Brief Answer: Your symptoms and findings most likely require surgery Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below 1. I come across patients with problems similar to yours and would like to help you out. 2. The ultrasound scan report shows that there is sludge in gall bladder with questionable adenomyomatosis pattern in the fundus region. Adenomyomatosis is a thickening of the mucosa in wall of gall bladder probably from chronic inflammation. A focal adenomyomatosis is sometimes difficult to differentiate from a malignancy. 3. Since you are having pain in the right upper quadrant with a suspected adenomyomatosis of gall bladder fundus therefore your doctor is right in suggesting surgical management. Your recent weight loss is also a matter of concern. Hope your query is answered. Please do write back if you have any doubts. Regards,