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[Personal experience in 71 consecutive patients with acute cholecystitis]
A Pinto1, S Romano, W Del Vecchio
1Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale A. Cardarelli, Napoli.
La Radiologia Medica
|May 10, 2000
Summary
Ultrasound (US) is the most effective imaging technique for diagnosing acute cholecystitis. Computed tomography (CT) is useful for complications but less so for initial diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Acute cholecystitis is a common cause of abdominal inflammation.
- Delayed or missed diagnosis can lead to severe complications like gallbladder rupture, abscesses, or peritonitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review diagnostic techniques for acute cholecystitis.
- To compare the efficacy of preoperative imaging modalities in 71 surgically confirmed cases.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 71 patients with acute cholecystitis.
- Analyzed findings from abdominal plain film, abdominal ultrasound (US), and abdominal computed tomography (CT).
- Assessed specific signs for each imaging modality and searched for associated complications.
Main Results:
- Abdominal US identified gallbladder wall thickening (56.5%), gallstones (85.5%), and US Murphy's sign (39.1%).
- Abdominal CT showed high rates of wall thickening (83.3%) and distension (66.6%).
- Plain films had lower sensitivity, detecting gallbladder densities (16.9%) and calcifications (4.6%).
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound (US) is the most valuable imaging technique for screening and diagnosing acute cholecystitis.
- Computed tomography (CT) is beneficial for assessing complications and in cases with unclear physical findings.