Gallbladder and bile duct issues – any advice?
in Health ·
Since Hrvoje hasn't been active on the forum for a while, I’ll attempt to answer these questions myself. Just a disclaimer: I don't practice gastroenterology anymore, so there's a margin for error here.
An MRCP can certainly detect gallbladder sludge; in fact, it might even be more sensitive than an ultrasound. Source for this.
Furthermore, gallbladder sludge is quite common toward the end of pregnancy and for some time postpartum, though in most cases, it resolves on its own. Source for this.
It is entirely possible that the sludge simply cleared out in this instance.
Based on the medical literature—and my own training—a folded gallbladder is considered an anatomical variation present from embryonic development. It's unlikely to be caused by body positioning or a baby kicking near the right rib cage.
Generally, a folded gallbladder isn't noted as a specific clinical issue. From what I understand, the gastroenterologists I've consulted suggest looking elsewhere for the cause of symptoms rather than the fold itself. That said, if certain types of folding carry specific significance, that's a question for someone with subspecialty expertise.
Gallbladder sludge can mask small stones during an ultrasound, so it's possible tiny stones were missed and were actually the culprit. These micro-stones (microlithiasis) can definitely cause issues.
The general consensus is that surgery is reserved for symptomatic patients—those actually experiencing trouble.
Also, looking at the referral, the gastroenterologist noted "suspected liver lesions and microlithiasis." I wouldn't assume those two findings are necessarily linked.
That depends on when your appointment is. Assuming the doctor will see you relatively soon, waiting a week or two shouldn't make much difference.
Angela Wright said:Is it possible that the sludge seen on the ultrasound cleared out, or would it be invisible on an MRI?
An MRCP can certainly detect gallbladder sludge; in fact, it might even be more sensitive than an ultrasound. Source for this.
Furthermore, gallbladder sludge is quite common toward the end of pregnancy and for some time postpartum, though in most cases, it resolves on its own. Source for this.
It is entirely possible that the sludge simply cleared out in this instance.
So, what am I looking at now with a folded gallbladder? Is it possible the folding was caused by those two subsequent attacks following the first ultrasound?
Based on the medical literature—and my own training—a folded gallbladder is considered an anatomical variation present from embryonic development. It's unlikely to be caused by body positioning or a baby kicking near the right rib cage.
Generally, a folded gallbladder isn't noted as a specific clinical issue. From what I understand, the gastroenterologists I've consulted suggest looking elsewhere for the cause of symptoms rather than the fold itself. That said, if certain types of folding carry specific significance, that's a question for someone with subspecialty expertise.
Gallbladder sludge can mask small stones during an ultrasound, so it's possible tiny stones were missed and were actually the culprit. These micro-stones (microlithiasis) can definitely cause issues.
The general consensus is that surgery is reserved for symptomatic patients—those actually experiencing trouble.
Also, looking at the referral, the gastroenterologist noted "suspected liver lesions and microlithiasis." I wouldn't assume those two findings are necessarily linked.
edit: I didn't do the liver function tests because they told me to wait until a few days before my follow-up (I have a standing lab order), so I'm not sure where things stand. But the MRI shows the liver is fine. Should I head to the local clinic to get the bloodwork done anyway?
That depends on when your appointment is. Assuming the doctor will see you relatively soon, waiting a week or two shouldn't make much difference.