Acute cholecystitis: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

Symptoms & Signs

The main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may:

* Be sharp, cramping, or dull
* Come and go
* Spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade
* Occur within minutes of a meal
Other symptoms that may occur include:
* Abdominal fullness
* Clay-colored stools
* Fever
* Nausea and vomiting
* Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Diagnosis & Tests

A physical exam will show that your abdomen is tender to the touch.
Your doctor may order the following blood tests:
* Amylase and lipase
* Bilirubin
* Complete blood count ( CBC) — may show a higher than normal white blood cell count
* Liver function tests
Imaging tests that can show gallstones or inflammation include:
* Abdominal ultrasound
* Abdominal CT scan
* Abdominal x-ray
* Oral cholecystogram
* Gallbladder radionuclide scan

• Acute cholecystitis: Overview, Causes

• Acute cholecystitis: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Acute cholecystitis: Treatment

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