Gallbladder Inflammation Ultrasound Findings

Ultrasound imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing gallbladder inflammation, also known as cholecystitis. When evaluating the gallbladder using ultrasound, several key findings may indicate the presence of inflammation.

Thickened Gallbladder Wall: A normal gallbladder wall typically measures between 2-4mm in thickness. During inflammation, similar to other inflammatory processes in the body, swelling and edema occur. This results in a visibly thickened gallbladder wall, which may measure up to 8mm, 10mm, or even more in severe cases. This thickening is considered a primary indicator of gallbladder inflammation.

Non-Uniform Gallbladder Echoes: Normally, the gallbladder contains bile, which is a fluid that remains relatively consistent in structure, resulting in uniform echo patterns during an ultrasound. However, when inflammation is present, pus may form within the gallbladder. Since pus can be unevenly distributed, this leads to irregular or non-uniform echo patterns visible on ultrasound reports. This finding may be due to either infectious changes in the bile or the presence of sludge and small stones.

Rough or Irregular Gallbladder Lining: In addition to wall thickening, ultrasound may reveal an uneven or rough inner surface of the gallbladder wall. This irregularity is often a secondary sign of ongoing inflammation and can help support the diagnosis when combined with other findings.

These ultrasound characteristics are essential for clinicians to identify and manage gallbladder inflammation effectively. When interpreting ultrasound results, doctors consider these signs alongside clinical symptoms and laboratory findings to make an accurate diagnosis.