Can an ultrasound miss gallstones?

[chrismm0516]

I have been suffering from abdominal and chest pains that radiate to the back, acid reflux and diarrea (usually a light colored stool). The ultrasound was fine, blood tests show high BUN and high white blood cells. Are this blood test results somehow related to problems with the GB?

[CHIN_C]

Ultrasound is very sensitive for detecting gallstones, but false negatives may occur if the gallbladder is partially contracted (which can happen if not fasting 4-6 hours prior to imaging). Visualization of the gallbladder may also be limited in patients who are obese and/or patients with abdominal wounds.

[CHIN_C]

Elevated BUN suggests kidneys are not working well.
Elevated white blood cells suggests infection/inflammation.

[Ken_PA]

There is a condition called acalculous cholecystitis - which has mostly the same symptoms, but without stones. What did your ultrasound say about the thickness of the gallbladder walls (i.e., inflammation)?

If immune cells called eosinophils get involved, the results can be very destructive. Keep in mind 'eosinophilic disorders' if your stomach gets worse, and the esophagus (food tube) also - especially if food gets stuck on the way down.