Cholescintigraphy

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Cholescintigraphy

Cholescintigraphy (pronounced koh-les-sin-tig-ruh-fee) is a medical imaging procedure used to diagnose problems in the gallbladder and biliary system.

Etymology

The term "cholescintigraphy" is derived from the Greek words chole meaning "bile", scintilla meaning "spark", and graphy meaning "writing". It refers to the use of radioactive tracers to create images of the biliary system.

Procedure

Cholescintigraphy involves the injection of a radioactive tracer, usually technetium-99m, into the patient's bloodstream. This tracer travels to the liver, where it is taken up by bile-producing cells and then excreted into the bile ducts. A special camera called a gamma camera is used to take pictures of the tracer as it moves through the biliary system. These images can help doctors diagnose a variety of conditions, including gallstones, biliary atresia, and cholecystitis.

Related Terms

  • Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan (HIDA scan): A type of cholescintigraphy that uses a specific type of radioactive tracer.
  • Gallbladder: A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.
  • Biliary system: The system of organs and ducts (including the gallbladder and bile ducts) that create, transport, store, and release bile.
  • Gallstones: Hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder and cause pain or other symptoms.
  • Biliary atresia: A condition in which the bile ducts are blocked or absent, often requiring surgery.
  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones.

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