Rough Gallbladder Wall: Could It Be Gallbladder Inflammation?

A rough gallbladder wall observed during an ultrasound may suggest gallbladder inflammation, but it's not a definitive diagnosis on its own. During an ultrasound exam, sound waves are used to create images of the gallbladder, and the texture of the gallbladder wall is assessed based on the echo patterns. In many cases, even in healthy individuals, the ultrasound report may describe the gallbladder wall as slightly irregular or rough.

However, diagnosing gallbladder inflammation requires more than just imaging findings. Ultrasound results should be interpreted alongside physical examination findings, such as a positive Murphy's sign, which is tenderness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen when the doctor presses beneath the ribs. Additional indicators include elevated white blood cell count, increased neutrophil levels, and systemic symptoms like fever and abdominal pain.

Another important factor is gallbladder wall thickness, which can be measured during an ultrasound. If the wall thickness reaches 3–4 mm or more, it may indicate inflammation. When this thickening is accompanied by clinical symptoms such as right upper quadrant pain, fever, and elevated inflammatory markers, a diagnosis of cholecystitis becomes more likely.

In conclusion, while a rough gallbladder wall seen on ultrasound can be a sign of gallbladder disease, it must be evaluated in the context of other clinical and laboratory findings to confirm gallbladder inflammation.