Volume changes in the gallbladder in association with various radiologic examinations

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate with sonography the volume changes of the gallbladder after intravenous administration of nonionic, iodinated contrast agents with or without ingestion of contrast agent or water. METHODS: A total of 191 patients received intravenous injection of 50 ml of nonionic contrast agent (Group A), intravenous injection of 100 ml of contrast medium (Group B), intravenous injection of 100 ml of contrast medium together with ingestion of 1000 ml of a dilute solution of contrast medium (Group C), or 1000 ml of water taken orally (Group D). The gallbladder volume was measured by ultrasonography in the fasting state in all groups, 15 minutes after intravenous injection of contrast medium in Groups A, B, and C and 30 minutes after water ingestion in Group D. RESULTS: In all groups, the volume of the gallbladder was statistically lower after the procedure than before. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of this gallbladder volume change. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous injection of nonionic, iodinated contrast medium or ingestion of water or a dilute solution of contrast medium for various radiological examinations results in contraction of the gallbladder. Contrast-enhanced radiological examinations may interfere with sonographic evaluation of the gallbladder. If necessary, gallbladder ultrasonographic examination should be repeated with the patient in a fasting state. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:214-217, 2005.