Normal HIDA (65%) but pain with CCK + Classic RUQ symptoms - anyone had something similar?

Normal Results

Hi everyone—looking to hear from people who had gallbladder-type symptoms but unclear or mixed test results, and what it ended up being.

My wife (27F) has been dealing with this for about 2 years and we’re trying to figure out what could be going on.

Symptoms:

RUQ pain (under right rib)

Triggered by fatty foods

Triggered by movement/exercise

Occasionally radiates to right shoulder blade and right back

Fairly consistent pattern over time

Testing:

Multiple ultrasounds → normal (no stones, no inflammation)

MRCP + MRI → normal

Bloodwork (liver, lipase, etc.) → normal

EGD → mild chronic inflammation/gastritis only

HIDA scan:

EF = 65% (normal)

BUT pain was clearly reproduced during CCK infusion

Other findings:

Rapid gastric emptying

Tried omeprazole + antispasmodics → no help

Currently trying amitriptyline 10 mg(5 weeks, minimal effect so far, I’m curious if higher dose has helped anyone)

Main questions:

Has anyone here had normal imaging but pain reproduced during CCK, and what did it end up being?

Did your symptoms end up being gallbladder-related, functional, or something else?

What treatments (if any) actually helped?

Just trying to better understand this pattern and hear from others who had something similar.

Any insight or experiences would be greatly appreciated!!!

Posted Apr 24, 2026, 8:29 PM UTC

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