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False positive hida scan results

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A hida scan revealed a diseased gall bladder, and it was recommended I have it removed as soon as possible.  My concern is that the pain I experience does not fit anything I am reading about typical gall bladder disease.  I have lower pelvic pain which radiates into my hip joint, sudden onset vomiting.  I have not had any abdominal pain, shoulder pain, constipation, feeling of fullness, etc., that I read about.  My concern is that this won't address the issue - is there any 'false positive' result with a hida scan, and are these symptoms also part of a diseased gall bladder?

Category: Internal Medicine Specialist

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Category: Family Physician-GP
 28 Doctors Online

Hello, 
Thank you for asking the query :

May I know what specifically did the HIDA scan find out ?( what exactly do you mean by 'diseased gall bladder ). With this information I will be able help you in a better way.

You can reply directly to this email.
Thank you


Patient replied :

The nurse said that the gallbladder is 'diseased' and does not contract at all.  There do not appear to be any stones.


Hello,
Thanks for the reply.

1.Your current symptoms in the pelvic area does not seem to be related to a gall bladder disease. It could be something else like a diverticulitis, appendicitis, colitis, pelvic inflammatory disease etc, which can only found out by targeted investigations and evaluation. 

2.With a gallbladder surgery you might not be getting a symptom relief.

3.But I would not brush of the HIDA scan as a false positive finding. The false positivity rate of the scan in low (or the test is rather specific). So it need to be found out why the GB is not contracting. Is it because of some obstruction or clacification etc. 

So please discuss with your Doctor. You questions are really valid and you should ask your Doctor whether the gallbladder surgery will address the current symptoms. Further evaluation should be undertaken for both - the gallbladder and the pelvic pain.


Hope this helps.


Dr. Cecelia J. Russ
Category: Family Physician-GP
Experience: 
- Medical School - New York Institute of Technology, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Duke University Medical Center, Residency in Family Medicine
Dr. Cecelia J. Russ and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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