The value of HIDA scans in the initial evaluation of patients for cholecystitis.
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.
Johnson
H
H
Department of Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York.
Cooper
B
B
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007098:Imino Acids; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D007098:Imino Acids; C049470:lidofenin