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The negative cholecystogram in gallbladder disease
The British Journal of Surgery
|July 1, 1975
Summary
Gallbladder disease symptoms can be explained by the disappearing gallstone hypothesis, even with negative imaging. Surgery may be recommended for characteristic and severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Gallbladder disease diagnosis often relies on imaging, which can miss certain conditions.
- Symptomatic patients with negative radiological findings present a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the 'disappearing stone' hypothesis in radiologically negative gallbladder disease.
- To determine the utility of cholecystectomy for characteristic and severe presentations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of seventeen patients.
- Clinical symptom correlation with the 'disappearing stone' hypothesis.
Main Results:
- All seventeen cases were explained by the 'disappearing stone' phenomenon.
- Symptoms were attributed to transient gallstone presence.
Conclusions:
- The 'disappearing stone' hypothesis provides a plausible explanation for symptoms in radiologically negative gallbladder disease.
- Cholecystectomy is a viable option for patients with severe and characteristic symptoms, despite negative imaging.