Which imaging modalities are recommended for the diagnosis of cholecystitis in primary care settings?

Imaging modalities recommended for diagnosing cholecystitis in primary care settings include abdominal ultrasound as the first-line investigation. Ultrasound is used to confirm the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and to detect gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. If ultrasound is inconclusive or if there is suspicion of common bile duct stones, further imaging such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be considered, but this is typically arranged in secondary care. No other imaging modalities are routinely recommended in primary care for diagnosing cholecystitis.

People suspected of having acute cholecystitis should be referred urgently to hospital for confirmation of diagnosis, which includes abdominal ultrasound and blood tests, as well as for treatment and surgical assessment.

Therefore, in primary care, abdominal ultrasound is the key imaging modality recommended to support the diagnosis of cholecystitis before referral.

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