Gallstone disease CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]

Overview

There are no CT scan findings associated with gallstone disease.

Computed tomography

CT scan sensitivity for gallstones has been estimated to be 55 – 80%.^[1]
Gallstones may be missed on CT because many stones are isodense with bile.
CT findings include:
- This imaging test may be used to visualise the entire main duct.
- The ability of CT to find stones in the common bile duct approximates ultrasound.
- In general, CT scan is a better test for more complicated problems, although it may be used together with ultrasound.

References

↑ Shea JA, Berlin JA, Escarce JJ, Clarke JR, Kinosian BP, Cabana MD, Tsai WW, Horangic N, Malet PF, Schwartz JS (1994). “Revised estimates of diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity in suspected biliary tract disease”. Arch. Intern. Med. 154 (22): 2573–81. PMID 7979854.

Overview