Non-Shadowing Gallstones: Understanding Radiolucent Gallstones

Non-shadowing gallstones are also known as radiolucent gallstones. They are gallstones that do not cast a shadow on X-ray images. Usually gallstones are composed of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts. Non-shadowing gallstones, however, are composed primarily of calcium bilirubinate, which does not block X-rays.

Non-shadowing gallstones are less common than traditional gallstones and can be more difficult to diagnose as non-shadowing gallstones do not appear on plain abdominal radiographs. In order to diagnose non shadowing gallstones the doctor will order an ultrasound of the gallbladder.

Risk factors for non-shadowing gallstones include:

- Obesity

- Diabetes

- High cholesterol

- Family history of gallstones

People with non-shadowing gallstones may experience abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment for non-shadowing gallstones is similar to the treatment for traditional gallstones and usually involves surgery.