The scintigraphic Murphy sign.

Focal gallbladder tenderness is the most important physical finding in suspected acute cholecystitis. We describe a technique using palpation of the abdomen with the placement of a radioactive marker on the point of maximum tenderness. Correlation of the marked area to the location of the gallbladder fossa is made. This integration of palpation and scintigraphy might enhance the cholescintigraphic diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.