The value of HIDA scans in the initial evaluation of patients for cholecystitis.

Abstract

One hundred twenty-two consecutive patients who had hepato-iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scans over a 5-month period were reviewed. These scans were found to have 94% sensitivity, but only 36% specificity for correctly diagnosing pathological variants of cholecystitis. Frequently, HIDA scans were misinterpreted to show common bile duct obstruction (CBDO); only 20% of cases of CBDO suggested on HIDA could be confirmed surgically. Sonography gave 88% to 90% sensitivity and 91% specificity in correctly diagnosing pathological variants of cholecystitis and correctly demonstrated CBDO in 80% of the cases. As first-line studies to evaluate biliary tract disease, HIDA scans are costly and should be eliminated.

• Authors: H Johnson Jr, B Cooper
• Journal: Journal of the National Medical Association (J Natl Med Assoc) Vol. 87 Issue 1 Pg. 27-32 (Jan 1995) ISSN: 0027-9684 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7869403 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• Imino Acids
• lidofenin

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cholecystitis (diagnostic imaging)
• Chronic Disease
• Contrast Media
• Humans
• Imino Acids
• Middle Aged
• Radionuclide Imaging
• Retrospective Studies
• Sensitivity and Specificity