Rio Rico, AZ
A 29-year-old male asked:
I got a hida scan of my gallbladder done which reported anef of 12%. the abd ultrasound reported no gallstones. is the chronic burping and pressure (poking) under my right rib cage caused by the ef?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
It May Be: A small subset of people have gallbladder dysfunction in the absence of gallstones, called chronic acalculous cholecystitis. The symptoms are identical to those caused by stones--biliary colic. The diagnosis is established by a reduced gallbladder ejection fraction, as measured by a cck-hida scan. However, this test has a 25% false-positive rate, meaning we cannot rely on this test alone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Tracy Berg commented
General Surgery 34 years experience
I agree with Dr. Rosen. Also okay to get a surgical consult and discuss your case, your risk/benefit analysis.
Jun 18, 2013

Dr. Raymond Tailleferanswered
Nuclear Medicine 44 years experience
Probably yes: A normal gallbladder ejection fraction on a hida scan should be more than 40%. At 12%, this means that you have a dyskinesia of your gallbladder which can give the type of symptoms you are reporting. You should consult your doctor and discuss the possibility of surgically removing your gallbladder, even if there are no gallstones, especially if all other tests are normal. Good luck.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Sawyeranswered
General Surgery 38 years experience
Dyskinesia: You describe gallbladder disease symptoms. Gallstones are the most common cause but a gallbladder that doesn't empty properly when stimulated can cause identical symptoms. Low ejection fraction is diagnostic of dyskinesia. The only additional information that would have clinched the diagnosis is if cck injection at the time of the study reproduced symptoms. Cholecystectomy should help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 25, 2023
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.