Layman's terms please...

[Beachcombers]

Please explain, I have no idea what this means: "jection fraction can be measured via a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation" and "evaluation of the thickened gallbladder can be considered with an MRCP to evaluate the biliary ducts".  In layman's terms please, what is a HIDA scan, CCK stimulation, and MRCP?

Thank you.


This discussion is related to Thick Wall and Polyp - First Attack.

[Beachcombers]

Thank you for explaining in Layman's terms. On a different yet related note:   I have varying slight to moderate gallbladder pain accompanied with: 1) no stone, 2) a single 4mm polyp, 3) thickening of the wall (3mm). It is my understanding that these 3 items when combined give cause for concern for cancer, even though the polyp has thus far only grown to 4mm? Is that correct?  Please see:   http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/459009

Thanks again.

[CalGal]

A HIDA scan is the name of a test is which they inject a 'tracer' dye into your system and it slowly incorporates in the bile that's being made in your liver. When that bile flows to the 'bile ducts' (out of the liver) and fills the gallbladder and common bile duct, they inject a hormone you normally put out when you eat, called CCK. That hormone causes the bile duct and the gallbladder to contract and 'squeeze out' a certain amount of bile with each 'squeeze.' That amount (per squeeze) is calculated as an amount of the total and that's the ejection fraction. It tells you how well the gallbladder is working.

With the MRCP, it's a long name for a test in which they again use a tracer dye and it fills the ducts and tubes of the bile system and somewhat into the pancreas. It gives a type of a 'clear' picture of what the ducts look like - structurally.

They're trying to figure out whether or not whatever symptoms you're having are due to possible gallbladder issues or bile duct/pancreatic duct issues.