Gallbladder opacification 12–24 h after angiography by CT examination: a multivariate analysis

Abstract.

Background: To examine the incidence and predisposing factors of gallbladder opacification in delayed computed tomography (CT) after angiography.

Methods: CT examination 12–24 h after angiography was performed in 389 patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were made.

Results: Two hundred thirty-three of 389 patients (60%) revealed gallbladder opacification. Type of contrast medium (P < 0.01), total bilirubin (P < 0.01), and serum creatinine (P < 0.01) were significant and independent factors relating to gallbladder opacification. Ioxaglate (70%, relative odds = 2.86) and iohexol (63%, relative odds = 2.03) showed higher gallbladder opacification rates than that of iopamidol (45%, relative odds = 1.43) and diatrizoate (30%). Patients with a lower serum bilirubin level (relative odds = 1.67) and a raised serum creatinine level (relative odds = 2.01) showed higher incidence of gallbladder opacification.

Conclusion: Gallbladder opacification after angiography is not an abnormal finding on delayed CT in patients with not only abnormal renal function but also normal hepatobiliary and normal renal function, especially for modern contrast media.