Reference Values for Gallbladder Ejection Fraction in a Healthy Indian Cohort Using Fatty Meal Hepatobiliary...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) assessment is crucial for diagnosing gallbladder motility disorders.
• Standard protocols may not be universally applicable or accessible, necessitating population-specific reference values.
• Hepatobiliary scintigraphy with a fatty meal is a common method for GBEF evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the reference value of gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) in the Indian population using a fatty meal-based hepatobiliary scintigraphy protocol.
• To assess GBEF variations at different post-meal time points.
• To investigate potential gender and age-related differences in GBEF.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 23 healthy adults (≥18 years) undergoing hepatobiliary scintigraphy.
• GBEF calculation based on gallbladder activity before and after a standard fatty meal.
• Statistical analysis included t-tests, correlation, and ANOVA to evaluate gender, age, and time-point differences.

Main Results:

• Mean GBEF increased significantly over time: 36% at 30 min, 50% at 45 min, and 55% at 60 min (P < 0.0001).
• No significant gender or age-related differences in GBEF were observed.
• The established reference value for normal GBEF at 60 minutes post-meal was ≥20%.

Conclusions:

• A fatty meal-based hepatobiliary scintigraphy protocol provides a reliable method for establishing GBEF reference values in the Indian population.
• The derived reference value of ≥20% supports clinical diagnosis of gallbladder dysfunction.
• This culturally appropriate, low-cost method offers a practical alternative to sincalide-based cholescintigraphy.