HIDA scanning and ultrasonography in the expeditious diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.

Radionuclide hepatobiliary imaging (HIDA scanning), a pathophysiologic modality, has become the diagnostic method of choice for suspected acute cholecystitis. The diagnosis is made quickly with this technic, which is simple, safe, and accurate. It is in widespread use and will soon be available for small community hospitals as well as large metropolitan and university centers. Ultrasound, though an excellent anatomic modality for diagnosing cholelithiasis, does not demonstrate the status of the cystic duct, information essential to the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.