Gallbladder Ejection Fraction Research Articles

Cholescintigraphic evaluation of gallbladder contraction in correlation with serum thyrotropin and serum cholesterol

Background and aims: To study the effect of serum thyrotropin (Sr.TSH) and serum cholesterol on gallbladder contraction by cholescintigraphy. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study comprising 77 patients for evaluation of gallbladder function in patients with biliary pain. All of them underwent 99mTc- Mebrofenin fatty meal cholescintigraphy following a standard institutional protocol apart from regular investigations. Dynamic images were acquired for 90 minutes with a standardised fatty meal given at the 60th minute. Gallbladder emptying kinetics was determined with Gallbladder Ejection Fraction (GBEF) calculated at 30 minutes post-meal. Relevant statistical methods were applied for interpretation. Results: The mean of GBEF was 60.82% ± 16.65% and the mean of Sr.TSH was 3.72 ± 3.88 mIU/ml, there was a negative correlation between GBEF and Sr.TSH (Pearson correlation coefficient r = -0.535, p < 0.05). The mean serum cholesterol was 180.61 ± 46.34 mg/dl, there was a negative correlation between GBEF and serum cholesterol (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = -0.685, p < 0.05). The mean GBEF in euthyroid and hypothyroid patients were 65.04% ± 15.04% and 47.27% ± 15.93% respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is one of the key factors affecting gallbladder contractility and should not be overlooked in the management of functional gallbladder disorders. Cholescintigraphy can accurately assess gallbladder function qualitatively and quantitatively, and it can help (aid) physicians in diagnosing and decision-making on the management of biliary pain in hypothyroidism.

Fatty Meal Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy for Gallbladder Ejection Fraction Determination.

Fatty Meal Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy for Gallbladder Ejection Fraction Determination.

Use of a Fatty Meal Cholecystagogue Protocol in Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy for Chronic Functional Gallbladder Disease.

Chronic functional gallbladder disorder, characterized by biliary pain in the absence of structural pathology, poses a diagnostic challenge necessitating reliable cholecystagogues for accurate evaluation. However, recurrent shortages of synthetic cholecystokinin analogs have prompted the exploration of alternative agents. This paper describes the efficacy of Ensure Plus as a viable fatty meal substitute for hepatobiliary scintigraphy in assessing chronic functional gallbladder disorder. Through comparative studies, Ensure Plus demonstrates comparable diagnostic accuracy to cholecystokinin in similar patient populations. Furthermore, Ensure Plus demonstrates significant symptom improvement after cholecystectomy in patients with anomalous gallbladder ejection fractions. This paper offers a detailed protocol for the seamless integration of Ensure Plus into hepatobiliary scintigraphy, providing clinicians with a valuable tool to navigate cholecystokinin shortages while maintaining diagnostic precision in cases of chronic functional gallbladder disorder. The use of Ensure Plus not only addresses practical supply challenges but also underscores its potential as a cost-effective and clinically sound alternative in biliary diagnostics.

Evaluation of gallbladder contractility and Doppler findings in patients with irritable bowel syndrome; a case-control study

Background Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain, altered bowel habits and bloating without structural issues. Gallbladder dysfunction may be linked to IBS due to disrupted cholecystokinin release. This study aims to assess gallbladder function and related hemodynamic parameters using Doppler ultrasound in IBS before and after meals. Method In this case-control study, we investigated gallbladder function differences between constipation-predominant IBS (C-IBS) patients and healthy volunteers. Participants underwent ultrasonography to measure gallbladder parameters before and after consuming a predefined meal. Gallbladder volume, wall thickness and resistance index (RI) of cystic and superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) were assessed. Student t-test and paired t-test were used to compare case and control groups and pre- and post-meal data, respectively. Results A total of 34 people (18 C-IBS and 16 healthy control) were included. The mean (Standard deviation) of gallbladder fasting volume was measured 24.74 (8.85) and 29.73 (9.65) cubic millimeter for case and controls, respectively. Postprandial volume was 11.34 (5.66) and 16.9 (6.16) cubic millimeter for case and controls respectively. We observed a statistically significant difference in emptying fractions (EF) between groups (p value = 0.009). IBS patients had a smaller fasting SMA RI (p value = 0.016) but the fraction of change after meal was not significant (p value = 0.10). The cystic artery RI did not reach statistical significance between the fasting and post-meal values (p value = 0.067). Conclusion IBS patients have a higher emptying fraction and lower change in SMA RI compared to healthy controls. Further studies with larger sample size, inclusion of patients with different coexisting conditions and subtypes of IBS and combining colon transit study with gallbladder ejection fraction evaluation can be used to further provide more meaning to this study.

HPB P07 HIDA scan utilisation and its influence on the management of patients with Gallbladder Dysmotility Disorders – A Retrospective Multicentre Cohort Study

Abstract Background Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) - Cholecystokinin (CCK) and fatty meal scan is widely used in the investigation of patients with acalculour biliary-like pain as they present a significant diagnostic and management challenge to the healthcare system. This scan detects functional capacity of gallbladder in the form of gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF). GBEF of <35% is consistent with biliary dyskinesia and >80% with hyperkinesia, a recently postulated pathology. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains the treatment of choice of for both the entities. We performed audit of utility of HIDA scan and interpretation of its results across three sites. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patents undergoing HIDA scan across three hospitals between January 2015 and December 2022. Patients with biliary pain according to ROME IV criteria of functional GI disorders were included. Electronic case notes were reviewed and demographics, laboratory results of bilirubin and ALP, radiological investigations, endoscopy result and HIDA scan result. Results A total of 225 patients underwent HIDA scan; median age was 42 years (IQR 34-53) and 194 (86.2%) were female. Median time form the onset of symptoms to HIDA scan was 19 months (IQR 6-24). 35 (15.5%) had GBEF <35%, 157 (69.7%) with GBEF 36-79%, and 33 (14.6 %) had GBEF ≥80. 36 patients had LC after HIDA scan: 19 (52.7%) for biliary dyskinesia, 12 (33.3%) for microlithiasis and/or biliary sludge on EUS and 5 (13.8%) had it for symptoms but normal GBEF. Histopathology of 4 patients had normal gallbladder, while 27 had chronic cholecystitis and/or cholesterosis. Conclusions HIDA scan is vital investigation for recurrent biliary-like pain without presence of gallstones and gallbladder dysmotility is not uncommon in this group of patients. HIDA scan should be more liberally utilised to rule out gallbladder dysmotility. Reporting method of HIDA scan should also be standardised to help interpret the results accurately.

HPB P08 Is Biliary Hyperkinesia a true Pathology? Should cholecystectomy be considered? A prequel towards Pilot study

Abstract Background Biliary Hyperkinesia (BH) is defined as a condition where gallbladder contracts and empties more rapidly than usual causing recurrent biliary colic with no evidence of gallstones on ultrasound or MRCP. Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is the investigation of choice and shows gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) of >80% in BH. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) could alleviate the symptoms. Similar results have been highlighted in case reports published about this relatively new gallbladder dysmotility. This study investigates the number of patients with BH on HIDA scan who might qualify for LC. Methods This was a 7-year (2015 to 2022) retrospective cohort study of adult patients with biliary pain in the absence of gallstones who underwent HIDA scan. Patient with EF >80% on HIDA scan were included in the study. Electronic case notes were reviewed for demographics, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, liver function tests, duration of symptoms, radiology investigations and endoscopy result including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Results 225 patients had HIDA scan of which 37 (16.4%) patients had BH. Median age was 49 years (IQR 38-62) and 32 (86.4%) were female. Median BMI 28 (IQR 23.3-32.4) and 48.3% were smokers. 5 (13.5%) were referred for pH manometry and gastric emptying studies while 25 (67.5%) have been formally discharged from surgery clinic follow-up. 7 (18.9%) are still waiting for further review. Only two patients had LC; one 3 years post HIDA when repeat ultrasound eventually showed gall stones and histopathology confirmed chronic cholecystitis. The second patient had sludge seen on EUS and histopathology confirmed chronic cholecystitis. Conclusions The hypothesis that overactive emptying of gallbladder represented by a high EF on HIDA scan leads to pain is somewhat convincing. High biliary pressure in a short circuit bounded by gallbladder/cystic duct junction and sphincter of Oddi causes gallbladder mucosal damage and cholecystitis. However, could there be missed stones or sludge is something that still needs to be considered. EUS might be of additional value before diagnosing patient with biliary hyperkinesia. Surgeons should consider LC in patients with BH once other pathologies have been ruled out. Further studies are needed to understand the outcome of cholecystectomy in BH.

A retrospective cohort study to examine the association between the persistence of abdominal pain after cholecystectomy and ejection fraction on HIDA scan in patients with biliary dyskinesia

Background and aimsThe persistence of pain in patients who underwent cholecystectomy primarily for biliary dyskinesia has been associated with gall bladder ejection fraction (GBEF) found on hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan. Cholecystectomy is a definitive treatment for cholelithiasis but is questionable in biliary dyskinesia. During the postoperative follow-up, gastroenterologists and surgeons often found that some patients with biliary dyskinesia continue to experience biliary pain even after surgery. This study aims to investigate whether the value of GBEF found on the HIDA scan predicts the persistence of pain after cholecystectomy in patients with biliary dyskinesia (EF <35% on HIDA scan). MethodsIt is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Kern Medical by recruiting patients from November 2019 to October 2022 in consecutive manner. It is a single sample study consisting of post-cholecystectomy biliary dyskinesia patients with dichotomous outcomes, i.e., persistent typical recurrent epigastric or right upper quadrant pain with/without meals versus no pain. The primary outcome was the presence of pain 30 days after the cholecystectomy. Univariate analysis was performed with some of the bivariate indicators and continuous predictors, which contained fewer missing elements and had more variation. ResultsUnivariate logistic regression suggested that HIDA GBEF as a continuous variable does not suggest a relationship with pain after surgery (p = 0.3951). A ROC analysis suggested a cutoff of HIDA GBEF = 16 (AUC = 0.60, Specificity = 0.5455, Sensitivity = 0.7333). ConclusionOur study does not support the relationship between GBEF found on HIDA scan to improved outcomes after the surgery. But larger controlled trials comparing outcomes of the patients with biliary dyskinesia who did and didn't undergo cholecystectomy are needed to look for other factors.

Defining Biliary Hyperkinesia and the Role of Cholecystectomy.

Functional gallbladder disorder is most commonly defined by biliary colic and low ejection fraction (EF) on cholescintigraphy. Biliary hyperkinesia is a controversial type of functional gallbladder disorder, and its definition and the role of cholecystectomy in treating functional gallbladder disorder remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent cholecystokinin-stimulated cholescintigraphy and cholecystectomy at 3 Mayo Clinic sites between 2007 and 2020. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, presented with symptoms of biliary disease, had an EF greater than 50%, underwent cholecystectomy, and had no evidence of acute cholecystitis or cholelithiasis on imaging. We used receiver operating characteristics curve analysis to identify the optimal cutoff value that predicted symptom resolution within 30 days of cholecystectomy. A total of 2,929 cholecystokinin-stimulated cholescintigraphy scans were performed during the study period; the average EF was 67.5% and the median EF was 77%. Analyzing those with EFs greater than or equal to 50% yielded 1,596 patients with 141 (8.8%) going on to have cholecystectomy. No significant differences were found in age, sex, BMI, final pathology between patients with and without pain resolution. Using a cutoff EF of 81% was significantly associated with pain resolution after cholecystectomy (78.2% for EF greater than or equal to 81% vs 60.0% for EF less than 81%, p = 0.03). Chronic cholecystitis was found in 61.7% of the patients on final pathology. We determined that an EF cutoff of 81% is a reasonable upper limit of normal gallbladder EF. Patients with biliary symptoms and an EF greater than 81% but no evidence of biliary disease on ultrasound or scintigraphy can be classified as having biliary hyperkinesia. Based on our findings, we recommend cholecystectomy for this patient population.

Classification of hepatobiliary scintigraphy patterns in segmented gallbladder according to anatomical discordance.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) is a useful diagnostic imaging technique that uses radiotracers to evaluate the function of the gallbladder (GB) and biliary system. In segmented GB, some HBS images reveal a discordant GB boundary as compared to anatomical images. To evaluate the characteristics of HBS in segmented GB and determine the clinical relevance according to HBS characteristics. A total of 268 patients with chronic cholecystitis, gallstones, or biliary colic symptoms who underwent HBS between 2011 and 2020 were enrolled. Segmented GB was defined as segmental luminal narrowing of the GB body on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) images, and HBS was examined 1 mo before or after CT or MR. Segmented GB was classified into 3 types based on the filling and emptying patterns of the proximal and distal segments according to the characteristics of HBS images, and GB ejection fraction (GBEF) was identified: Type 1 was defined as a normal filling and emptying pattern; Type 2 was defined as an emptying defect on the distal segment; and Type 3 was defined as a filling defect in the distal segment. Segmented GB accounted for 63 cases (23.5%), including 36 patients (57.1%) with Type 1, 18 patients (28.6%) with Type 2, and 9 patients (14.3%) with Type 3 emptying pattern. Thus, approximately 43% of HBS images showed a discordant pattern as compared to anatomical imaging of segmented GB. Although there were no significant differences in clinical symptoms, rate of cholecystectomy, or pathological findings based on the type, most gallstones occurred in the distal segment. Reported GBEF was 62.50% ± 24.79% for Type 1, 75.89% ± 17.21% for Type 2, and 88.56% ± 7.20% for Type 3. Type 1 showed no difference in reported GBEF compared to the non-segmented GB group (62.50% ± 24.79% vs 67.40% ± 21.78%). In contrast, the reported GBEF was higher in Types 2 and 3 with defective emptying and filling when compared to Type 1 (80.11% ± 15.70% vs 62.57% ± 24.79%; P = 0.001). In segmented GB, discordance in the filling patterns detected by HBS and anatomical imaging could lead to misinterpretation of GBEF. For this reason, clinicians should be cautious when interpreting HBS results in patients with segmented GB.

Influence of Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Factors on Gallbladder Volume in Pregnancy in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

Our study sought to determine the effect of age, parity, body mass index (BMI), and previous oral contraceptive use on gallbladder volume and ejection fraction in pregnancy to enable obstetricians to identify patients at risk of gallbladder disease in pregnancy. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study involving 190 pregnant women who were evaluated within 32 and 40 weeks gestation at the Fetal Assessment Unit of the Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Patients were scanned with a commercially available Siemens Ultrasound scanner using a curvilinear probe and a transducer frequency of 3.5 MHz. The fasting gallbladder volume (FGBV) and 30 minutes postprandial gallbladder volume (PGBV) were calculated using the prolate ellipsoid method. Gallbladder ejection fraction was determined using FGBV and PGBV. Each patient's biodata, medical history, and somatometric parameters were documented. A total of 190 volunteers were included in the study. BMI showed statistically significant positive, though weak correlations with FGBV (r = 0.179, p =0.015) and PGBV (r = 0.216, p =0.003). Maternal age, parity, and previous oral contraceptive use did not show any statistically significant correlation with gallbladder parameters. BMI showed a statistically significant but weakly positive correlation with FGBV and PGBV in pregnancy. Our study demonstrated that gallbladder volume in pregnancy might be dependent on BMI. Thus, high BMI may predispose to large gallbladder volume, increasing the risk of biliary stasis and gallstone formation in pregnancy. This is relevant for early detection and prevention of gallbladder disease and follow-up, including expectant management of subjects that may develop gallbladder disease in pregnancy.

Gallbladder Dyskinesia.

Gallbladder dyskinesia is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in debilitating episodes of abdominal pain and associated symptoms. Key diagnostic criteria include a diminished gallbladder ejection fraction on scintigraphy and absence of other causes for the symptoms. Pathologic findings and follow-up suggest a distinct mechanistic basis for this condition. Unfortunately, the complexities of diagnosis and treatment combined with patient and provider preferences will likely continue to preclude randomized controlled studies to provide a clearer evidence-based management for this disorder. Patients meeting the clinical and diagnostic criteria for gallbladder dyskinesia should be referred for cholecystectomy, and most of these patients will have relief of their symptoms. A comprehensive preoperative discussion on expected outcomes needs to take place.

The Role of Cholecystectomy in Hyperkinetic Gallbladder: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Rural Hospital.

Background Biliary dyskinesia is a functional gallbladder disorder in which there is an absence of a structural or mechanical cause for biliary pain. A cholecystokinin-hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (CCK-HIDA) scan is typically performed during workup, and cholecystectomy is the accepted treatment for low ejection fraction (EF) (less than 33%, as defined by the literature). However, few studies have examined the role of cholecystectomy in hyperkinetic gallbladder (EF ≥80%). The aim of our study was to examine symptom resolution following minimally invasive cholecystectomy in patients with hyperkinetic gallbladder. Methodology A retrospective chart review was conducted at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. Patients who underwent minimally invasive cholecystectomy for biliary colic with EF ≥80% and who were without cholelithiasis on preoperative imaging or on final pathology were included in this study. The main outcome was symptom resolution at the postoperative visit. Data collected included age, gender, EF, body mass index, symptoms with CCK infusion, and pathology. Results A total of 48 patients were included. The mean age of patients was 41.2 years (standard deviation = 14.4), and the median age of patients was 42.2 years, with a range of 17-71 years. The majority of patients were female (83.3%). Overall, 58.3% of patients had replication of symptoms with CCK infusion. The mean gallbladder EF was 87.3%, with a median of 87.0 and a range of 80-98. In total, 33 (68.8%) patients had chronic cholecystitis on final pathology reports. There was a 95.9% symptom resolution rate among our patients two weeks postoperatively. Conclusions The overwhelming majority of patients experienced symptom resolution prior to their two-week postoperative visit following minimally invasive cholecystectomy for hyperkinetic gallbladder. These results strongly suggest a role of surgical management in patients with high EF.

Relationship between gallstones and interstitial cells of Cajal in the gallbladder.

A high percentage of patients with gallstones exhibit abnormalities in gallbladder emptying, and gallstones are often associated with gallbladder contraction. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gallbladder are involved in the generation and spreading of spontaneous contractions of the gallbladder. This study examined the relationship among the number of gallbladder ICC, gallbladder contractility, and gallstones. Forty-six patients, who underwent cholecystectomy within 3 months of enduring a gallbladder ejection fraction scan, were enrolled in this study. ICC were identified using a microscope after immunohistochemical staining for CD117/c-kit. Five high-power field (magnification 400×) units were randomly assigned, and the number of ICC in the mucosal and muscular layers was counted. These counts were compared according to the sex, age, reason for cholecystectomy, presence of gallstone, presence of gallbladder polyp, gallbladder ejection fraction, and gallbladder size for each patient. The number of ICC in the mucosal layer was increased in the male participants (154.4 ± 73.9) compared with the female participants (107.3 ± 75.2); however, the ICC in the muscular layer was not different between the 2 groups. Additionally, the ICC in the mucosal and muscular layers did not differ according to age, cause of cholecystectomy, number of stones, stone character, stone diameter, or the presence of polyps. A larger gallbladder size was correlated with a decreased number of ICC in the muscular layer of the gallbladder. Additionally, when the number of gallbladder stones was increased, the number of ICC in the muscular layer of the gallbladder was decreased; however, there was no significant correlation between the number of ICC in the mucosal layer of the gallbladder and any of the following factors: age, GBEF, gallbladder size, stone number, or diameter. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the number of ICC in the muscular layer of the gallbladder, regardless of age, GBEF, and stone diameter. Although we were unable to achieve significant results regarding the relationship between GBEF and ICC, this is the first human study to reveal the relationship among ICC, gallbladder size, and the number of gallstones.

Pediatric Normokinetic Biliary Dyskinesia: Pain with Cholecystokinin on Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan Predictive of Symptom Resolution After Cholecystectomy.

Introduction: Biliary dyskinesia is typically defined as a gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) <35% on hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan with cholecystokinin stimulation (CCK-HIDA) testing. Cholecystectomy often leads to resolution of associated biliary colic symptoms. Alternatively, there is a subset of symptomatic patients with normal gallbladder EF on CCK-HIDA. It has been proposed that pain with CCK injection is more predictive of symptom resolution after cholecystectomy than low gallbladder EF. We reviewed our experience with pediatric patients with positive CCK provocation testing and a normal gallbladder EF in the absence of gallstones. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all pediatric patients with normal hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid EFs (35%-80%) and pain with CCK injection at a tertiary care center between 2016 and 2020. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), CCK-HIDA results, and pathology analysis were noted. Short- and long-term resolution of symptoms was determined by patient self-reporting at a mean of 3 weeks and 46 months, respectively. Results: Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria. Average age was 15.1 years (range, 12-17 years) with median BMI 24.9 (± 4.9 kg/m2). Mean CCK-HIDA EF was 56.3% (± 11.4%). In total, 62.5% of patients had evidence of chronic cholecystitis and/or cholesterolosis on pathology analysis. Of patients available for short-term and long-term postoperative follow-up, 80% and 83% reported complete or near complete resolution of symptoms, respectively. Conclusions: Normokinetic biliary dyskinesia is poorly understood but appears to be associated with chronic inflammation and cured by surgical intervention. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in resolution of symptoms for a majority of patients and should be considered in those with pain with CCK injection despite normal imaging studies. Clinical Trial Registration Number: 1657640-2.

Sincalide-Stimulated Cholescintigraphy: A Retrospective Study and Proposal of a Modified Workflow.

Current guidelines for sincalide-stimulated cholescintigraphy (SSC) call for a 60-minute sincalide infusion, and a gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) ≥38% is considered normal. In this retrospective study, we hypothesize that most patients reach a normal GBEF by 30 minutes. Eligible patients had undergone a 60-minute SSC from January to December 2019. The clinical SSC data were previously processed on a Xeleris workstation (GE Healthcare). In subjects with GBEF ≥38% based on standard SSC, the GBEF at 20 minutes and 30 minutes were retrospectively calculated using manual pixel height measurements. Receiving operating characteristic was analyzed to determine the best GBEF cutoff at 30 minutes. Of 302 subjects, mean age of 46 ± 17 years, 33 (10.9%) showed an abnormal GBEF <38% suggestive of functional gallbladder disorder. In the remaining 269 patients (89.1%) with a normal GBEF, 60.6% and 86.6% reached a normal GBEF at 20 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. Moreover, a GBEF threshold >29.1% at 30 minutes was associated with a negative predictive value of 99.6%, indicating that a 60-minute SSC was not necessary. The GBEF values were not associated with sex, age, patient symptoms, or type of referral. Manually calculated GBEFs on the time-activity curve showed excellent correlation with the primary values. We propose a modified workflow that splits the 60-minute SSC into two 30-minute image sets to allow for a screening GBEF at 30 minutes. If GBEF is >29.1% at 30 minutes, the second image set may be stopped, and the examination is complete. The majority of patients (77.2%) undergoing the standard 60-minute SSC reach a normal GBEF already by 30 minutes. The proposed workflow shortens the SCC procedure by 30 minutes, while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy and contributing to improved procedure efficiency and reduced patient discomfort as well as symptoms.

Sonography evaluation of gallbladder ejection fraction and volume in diabetic patients: a case control study

Sonography evaluation of gallbladder ejection fraction and volume in diabetic patients: a case control study

Clinical utility of stimulated cholescintigraphy using a standardized Ensure-Plus fatty meal protocol in patients with suspected functional gallbladder disorder: a retrospective study of seven-years clinical experience.

The clinical utility of fatty meal stimulated cholescintigraphy particularly using a standardized formulation in patients with suspected functional gallbladder disorder has not been extensively studied. We present our seven-year clinical experience using an Ensure plus protocol. A retrospective study was performed on patients undergoing stimulated cholescintigraphy using Ensure Plus for evaluation of suspected functional gallbladder disorder. A gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) of <33% was considered abnormal. Of the 173 patients evaluated, 57 (33%) had an abnormal GBEF, 112 (65%) had a normal GBEF and 4 (2%) had no gallbladder visualization. Of the 57 patients with an abnormal GBEF, symptom improvement occurred in 30/31 (97%) who underwent cholecystectomy and in 17/26 (65%) who were managed conservatively (p= 0.003). Of the 112 patients with a normal GBEF, symptom improvement occurred in 8/10 (80%) who underwent cholecystectomy and 74/102 (73%) who were managed conservatively (p= 1.000). In the subgroup of 102 patients with a normal GBEF managed conservatively, those without symptomatic improvement had lower GBEFs compared to those with symptomatic improvement (median GBEF 46% versus 57%, p= 0.019). Our retrospective results support a clinical role for stimulated cholescintigraphy using Ensure Plus in the evaluation of patients with suspected functional gallbladder disorder. While an abnormal GBEF predicts good surgical outcome, our results suggest that using an absolute GBEF cut off value of <33% may not apply to all patients and hence GBEF results should only be used as an adjunct in the surgical decision-making process.

S3576 Oddity of an Opiated Oddi: A Case of Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

Introduction: We present a case of recurrent right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain resulting from Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) in the setting of chronic opioid use. SOD is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that presents similarly to other disorders of the biliary tree. Understanding features of this disorder and its etiologies can streamline evaluation and treatment. Case Description/Methods: Our patient is a 77-year-old male, chronic opioid user, who had multiple Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospital admissions for RUQ pain in the setting of significantly elevated liver associated enzymes (LAEs). However, repeated imaging of the RUQ with CT, Ultrasound, and MRCP remained largely unremarkable. On a subsequent presentation, the patient experienced severe increase in pain after administration of morphine. Lab investigation showed an abrupt increase in LAEs and lipase after administration of morphine. Imaging was obtained, and was again inconsistent with cholecystitis. Interestingly, he attained analgesia with meperidine on admission. During a following ED visit, RUQ imaging showed non-specific gallbladder inflammation, and a Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan showed low gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF). These findings suggested Functional Gallbladder Disorder and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Unfortunately, ten days later the patient had worsening RUQ pain with no signs of obstruction. With diagnostic criteria for SOD met and other etiologies ruled out, our patient was referred for sphincterotomy. Discussion: Opiate-induced SOD is theoretically well known, but there have been only few reported cases in literature. Furthermore, SOD is difficult to diagnose, as providers must first rule out other hepatobiliary disease. ROME IV Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders was used in review of our case. Biliary pain, absence of bile duct stones or other structural abnormalities, and elevated LAEs fulfilled the criteria for this disorder. This case highlights the clinical evaluation and care of SOD. While all opioids have been shown to contract the Sphincter of Oddi (SO), morphine has been shown to strongly cause this contraction, and is one of the earliest reported causes of SOD in literature. Meperidine has been shown to have minimal effect on the SO contraction and is the ideal opioid to treat pain of biliary or pancreatic source.

Gall bladder ejection fractions in dogs investigated for chronic altered appetite: 14 cases (2015-2017).

To determine if gall bladder dysmotility occurs in dogs investigated for chronic altered appetite and to determine if gall bladder dysmotility warrants further investigation as a contributing factor to altered appetite. Case series of dogs investigated for chronic gastrointestinal disease. Gastrointestinal clinical signs were assessed before and after a 6-week hydrolysed protein diet. Gall bladder ejection fractions were determined at the end of the 6-week hydrolysed protein diet as part of an investigation that included a full blood cell count, biochemistry, abdominal X-rays and ultrasound. The gall bladder ejections fraction results of dogs with normal appetite were compared to dogs with general inappetence and dogs with diurnal inappetence in the morning. In this retrospective case series of 14 dogs, altered appetite was the most frequent and persistent clinical sign associated with chronic gastrointestinal disease. Nine dogs had suboptimal gall bladder function and this occurred in dogs with, and without, gravity-dependent biliary sludge. Gall bladder function and volumes of dogs in this study were comparable to those of dogs with nongravity-dependent gall bladder sludge or gall bladder mucoceles in other studies. There was an observable difference in gall bladder ejection fractions between groups defined by appetite but no statistically significant difference was present. Small sample sizes meant the effect size was large. Gall bladder dysmotility and distension can occur in the absence of gall bladder sludge and mucocoeles in younger dogs. Gall bladder dysmotility requires further investigation as a potential contributing factor to altered appetite in dogs.

Mast cell infiltration and activation in the gallbladder wall: Implications for the pathogenesis of functional gallbladder disorder in adult patients

BackgroundFunctional gallbladder disorder (FGD) is characterized by recurrent biliary colic with a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction on cholescintigraphy but absence of visible gallbladder abnormalities on ultrasonography. FGD is generally regarded as a primary gallbladder motility disturbance, however, the underlying pathophysiology remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of FGD by examining mast cell density and activation in the gallbladder wall. DesignTwenty adult patients with FGD undergoing cholecystectomy were included in the study. Seven patients with no gallbladder disease were served as controls who were subject to incidental cholecystectomy during abdominal surgery such as partial hepatectomy. The density of mast cells in the gallbladder wall was assessed by immunohistochemistry and by toluidine blue special stain. Mast cell activation was evaluated by calculating the percentage of degranulated mast cells on toluidine blue stain. ResultsCompared to the controls, patients with FGD showed a significant increase in mast cell infiltration in the gallbladder walls. Peak mast cell accumulation was predominantly located in the inner muscular layer of the gallbladder wall. Mast cell activation was also markedly increased in the FGD group as evidenced by significantly enhanced mast cell degranulation. ConclusionsMast cell infiltration and activation were significantly increased in the muscular wall of gallbladders from FGD patients, suggesting potential involvement of mast cells in the compromised gallbladder motility in adult patients with FGD.