Repeat gallbladder ultrasound in the ED to detect early acute cholecystitis
Official title: Repeat Biliary Point of Care Ultrasound for Detecting Early Acute Cholecystitis
Run by WellSpan Health · NCT07792200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In adults with abdominal pain and an initially non-diagnostic gallbladder ultrasound in the emergency department, this study tests whether a second ultrasound can help confirm acute cholecystitis sooner.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | WellSpan Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (York, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07792200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older presenting to the ED with abdominal pain and a biliary ultrasound initially read as normal, equivocal, or negative for acute cholecystitis, within 2–6 hours of the initial scan.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose initial ultrasound already clearly excludes acute cholecystitis or whose symptoms resolve quickly may not benefit from a repeat ultrasound.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective, interventional study asks whether performing a repeat biliary point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the ED improves identification of acute cholecystitis when the first ultrasound is equivocal or negative. Eligible adults with ongoing abdominal pain and a normal, equivocal, or negative initial US will undergo a second POCUS while still in the ED and will be followed to capture subsequent diagnoses, dispositions, and additional imaging or consultations. The goal is to determine if interval sonographic findings such as gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, ductal dilation, or a sonographic Murphy’s sign emerge and enhance diagnostic accuracy. If successful, repeat POCUS could shorten time to diagnosis and influence management. The study is sponsored by WellSpan Health and conducted at WellSpan Health York Hospital in Pennsylvania.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a repeat ED ultrasound could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, potentially reducing delays in treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prospective data exist on repeat imaging showing interval findings in gallbladder disease, but this specific ED-based repeat biliary POCUS approach is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years of age * Presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain with clinical concern for possible acute cholecystitis * Initial biliary US interpreted as normal, equivocal or negative for acute cholecystitis * 2-6 hours since initial biliary ultrasound with ongoing symptoms * General surgery consult placed or additional non-ultrasound advanced imaging ordered * Fluency in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * \< 18 years of age * \> 6 hours since initial biliary US * Asymptomatic/resolved symptoms or pending discharge from the emergency department * Initial ultrasound positive for acute cholecystitis or other findings to explain presenting symptoms * Baseline ascites * Prior cholecystectomy * Unable or unwilling to provide consent * Presenting to a facility other than study site emergency department * Transferred patients from outside facilities
Where it's running
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WellSpan Health York Hospital
York, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brent Becker, MD — WellSpan Health
- Study coordinator: Brent Becker Principal Investigator, MD
- Email: bbecker2@wellspan.org
- Phone: 717-851-4819
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.