Can Ultrasound Detect Cholecystitis?

Ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool for identifying cholecystitis and can sometimes be more sensitive than CT or MRI scans. This is because ultrasound allows for detailed and continuous observation of the gallbladder lining. In a healthy gallbladder, the inner lining appears smooth and uniform. However, when cholecystitis is present, the gallbladder wall becomes irregular and rough in appearance. Instead of showing a linear structure, the wall may appear wavy, uneven, or inconsistent in thickness.

One of the key indicators of cholecystitis during an ultrasound is increased gallbladder wall thickness. Normally, the gallbladder wall measures between 1-2mm. If the wall exceeds this measurement, it often indicates the presence and severity of inflammation. The thicker the wall, the more pronounced the inflammatory response tends to be.

In addition to overall wall thickness, ultrasound can also detect localized changes in the gallbladder. For example, if a specific area of the gallbladder wall is thicker than the rest while other regions remain normal, it may suggest conditions such as gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Ultrasound is particularly useful for identifying such localized abnormalities.

Unlike CT or MRI, which use cross-sectional imaging and may miss small lesions, ultrasound provides continuous imaging of the entire gallbladder. This makes it more reliable for detecting subtle changes in the gallbladder wall that other imaging methods might overlook. Therefore, ultrasound remains a preferred initial imaging modality for evaluating suspected gallbladder inflammation.