Yes, acute cholecystitis often shows up on an ultrasound. Ultrasound is a commonly used imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose acute cholecystitis because it is a noninvasive and relatively inexpensive way to visualize the gallbladder and surrounding structures.
During an ultrasound exam, a technician will apply a gel to the skin over the gallbladder and then use a handheld device called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. The transducer is passed over the skin in a sweeping motion to create a series of cross-sectional images. These images are then displayed on a computer screen, allowing the technician to look for signs of acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis can show up on an ultrasound in a number of ways, including the following:
Thickened gallbladder wall: The wall of the gallbladder may become thickened and inflamed in cases of acute cholecystitis, and this can be seen on an ultrasound as a thicker-than-normal band around the gallbladder.
Presence of gallstones: Gallstones are one of the most common causes of acute cholecystitis, and they can be seen on an ultrasound as small, hard objects within the gallbladder or its ducts.
Fluid in the gallbladder: In some cases of acute cholecystitis, fluid can build up within the gallbladder, and this can be seen on an ultrasound as a dark area within the gallbladder.
Distorted gallbladder shape: The gallbladder may appear distorted or misshapen on an ultrasound in cases of acute cholecystitis, due to inflammation or the presence of gallstones.
Abnormal blood flow within the gallbladder: Acute cholecystitis can cause changes in blood flow within the gallbladder, and this can be seen on an ultrasound as abnormal patterns of blood flow within the organ.
Reduced gallbladder motility: The gallbladder may not be contracting normally on an ultrasound if it is inflamed, which can be a sign of acute cholecystitis.
In acute cholecystitis, the gallbladder is typically enlarged, inflamed, and filled with thickened bile. This can cause the walls of the gallbladder to appear thickened and irregular on an ultrasound. The gallbladder may also be filled with small stones or sludge, which can be seen on the ultrasound as well.
Additionally, the ultrasound may show signs of pericholecystic fluid, which is a collection of fluid that can build up around the gallbladder in cases of acute cholecystitis.
Certainly, an ultrasound is a valuable tool for diagnosing acute cholecystitis. It can provide important information about the size, shape, and appearance of the gallbladder, as well as any stones or other abnormalities present.
Other diagnostic tools
In addition to ultrasound, acute cholecystitis can be detected using other imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests can provide more detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding organs, which can help the doctor diagnose acute cholecystitis.
It can also be detected using Complete blood count (CBC). Elevated levels of certain substances, such as white blood cells and inflammatory markers, can be a sign of acute cholecystitis.
In some cases, the doctor may be able to palpate (examine by touch) the area over the gallbladder and feel tenderness or pain, which can be a sign of acute cholecystitis. This is not seen on the ultrasound itself, but can be a helpful diagnostic tool.
When the gallbladder is diseased but there are no stones present (acalcalous cholecystitis), HIDA scan (cholescintigraphy) proves very useful. During this test, a radioactive material called hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) is injected into the patient. The material is taken up by the gallbladder and shows how the gallbladder is functioning. This test is useful when the ultrasound result is inconclusive, especially if there is acute inflammation of the gallbladder and the outlet of the gallbladder is blocked.