Gallbladder Inflammation Imaging Characteristics

Acute cholecystitis typically presents with a significantly enlarged gallbladder, thickened and edematous gallbladder wall, and fluid accumulation in the gallbladder fossa. In more severe cases, this fluid may spread into the abdominal cavity, triggering inflammatory responses in surrounding organs. Patients often experience sudden abdominal pain accompanied by fever.

On the other hand, chronic cholecystitis is characterized by a shrunken gallbladder, with a thickened but uneven gallbladder wall. This condition often remains asymptomatic and is usually discovered incidentally during routine medical checkups. Some patients may experience persistent, mild abdominal discomfort, which leads them to seek medical attention.

Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing gallbladder inflammation. Because the gallbladder stores bile, it becomes distended during fasting, making it easier to detect abnormalities in the gallbladder cavity and wall. For this reason, imaging exams for gallbladder diseases require patients to fast prior to the procedure.

To ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal imaging quality, healthcare providers typically schedule these exams in the morning after an overnight fast. This approach significantly improves the visibility of gallbladder structures and helps radiologists identify early or subtle signs of inflammation.