What is the primary composition of most gallstones?
80% cholesterol, 20% pigmented
What are the “4 Fs” associated with gallstone formation?
Fat (obesity), Female, Forty (age >40), Fertile (multiparity)
How do gallstones typically appear on ultrasound in B-mode?
Echogenic (bright)
What is the significance of posterior shadowing in relation to gallstones?
It is pathognomonic, meaning it is a characteristic sign.
What is the “WES sign” and what does it indicate?
WES sign stands for Wall Echo Shadow and is pathognomonic for a gallstone.
Are gallstones typically mobile or fixed?
Gallstones are typically mobile with changes in position or gravity.
How does the compressibility of a gallstone differ from a fixed lesion?
Gallstones are non-compressible and rigid.
What is the first-line imaging modality for suspected cholelithiasis?
Ultrasound (USG) is the first-line imaging modality, with a sensitivity of 90-95%.
What is sonographic Murphy’s sign and what is its specificity?
Sonographic Murphy’s sign is tenderness over the gallbladder when the ultrasound probe is applied, with a specificity of 95% or higher.
What gallbladder wall thickness is indicative of inflammation in acute cholecystitis?
A gallbladder wall thickness greater than 3 mm suggests inflammation.
What does the presence of pericholecystic fluid suggest in acute cholecystitis?
Fluid around the gallbladder suggests severe inflammation.
What does an impacted stone in the neck or cystic duct indicate?
It has high specificity for acute cholecystitis.
What temperature is considered a clinical finding for acute cholecystitis?
A temperature greater than 38°C (100.4°F).
What is the clinical finding of RUQ tenderness in acute cholecystitis?
Localized pain over the gallbladder area.
What is the diagnostic criterion for acute cholecystitis using ultrasound?
At least 2 ultrasound findings, preferably with clinical correlation.
What is a HIDA scan and when is it used in the diagnosis of cholecystitis?
A HIDA scan (Hepatic Iminodiacetic Acid) is used when ultrasound findings are equivocal.
What is the most specific finding on a HIDA scan for cystic duct obstruction?
Non-visualization of the gallbladder.
What does it mean if the gallbladder fills on a HIDA scan?
It rules out cholecystitis.
What does dilation of the biliary tree on a HIDA scan suggest?
It suggests obstruction.
What is the recommended management for uncomplicated acute cholecystitis?
Cholecystectomy within 72 hours, as early surgery leads to better outcomes.
What is the management for complicated acute cholecystitis (e.g., gangrenous, perforated)?
Immediate surgery.
What does the MACE scoring system for acute cholecystitis include?
Murphy’s sign, Anterior wall thickness, Collection (fluid), and Echo stone.
What is a key finding in the GB wall in emphysematous cholecystitis?
Echogenic foci in the GB wall.
What does the presence of gas in the GB wall indicate in emphysematous cholecystitis?
Risk of gangrene.