Can Gallbladder Inflammation Be Diagnosed with an Ultrasound?

Gallbladder inflammation, or cholecystitis, can often be diagnosed using an ultrasound, which is a primary imaging tool for evaluating the gallbladder and surrounding structures. This diagnostic method is particularly effective in identifying both acute and chronic forms of the condition.

In the case of acute cholecystitis, early-stage ultrasound findings may reveal a slightly enlarged gallbladder with mild thickening of the gallbladder wall. However, these signs are not highly specific for the condition. As the inflammation progresses to acute suppurative cholecystitis, more distinct ultrasound features appear. These include significant gallbladder enlargement, a full and distended shape, and diffuse wall thickening that appears as high echogenicity. A characteristic feature is the presence of intermittent or continuous hypoechoic bands within the wall, creating a "double-wall" appearance. A key diagnostic sign during ultrasound is a positive sonographic Murphy's sign, where the patient experiences sharp pain and holds their breath when the transducer is pressed over the gallbladder area.

Acute cholecystitis is frequently associated with gallstones, which can also be detected through ultrasound imaging. In cases of gallbladder perforation, the ultrasound may show a disruption in the continuity of the gallbladder wall, indicating a more severe complication.

For chronic cholecystitis, ultrasound findings can vary. In mild cases, there may be no clear imaging characteristics, although slight thickening of the gallbladder wall may be observed. The wall typically shows uniform hypoechoic or moderate hyperechoic patterns and is often thicker than 3 mm. Some cases of chronic cholecystitis may result in gallbladder shrinkage or atrophy, leading to a reduced gallbladder lumen. These chronic changes are often accompanied by the presence of gallstones, which can be clearly visualized using ultrasound technology.

Overall, ultrasound remains a reliable and non-invasive method for diagnosing gallbladder inflammation, offering valuable insights into both acute and chronic conditions while supporting timely and effective treatment planning.