Imaging
Ultrasound
Gallbladder stones are best imaged by simple abdominal ultrasound scanning
CT (computed Tomography) scanning
CT scanning will also pick up gallstones but will miss them in 10% of patients
MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography)
MRCP is a non-evasive way of imaging gallbladder stones
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Figure 1MRCP showing a large stone in the gallbladder. Note the common bile duct is normal. Click image to enlarge » |
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Figure 2MRCP showing a stone in the lower bile duct. Click image to enlarge » |
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EUS (Endoscopic ultrasound)
EUS is useful for diagnosing the presence of tiny gallbladder stones and gallbladder sludge often associated with undiagnosed right upper abdominal pain.