Gallbladder wall Thickening

Question 1

what may cause gallbladder wall thickening

Answer 1

•Causes of wall thickening include cholecystitis, adenomyomatatosis, cancer, AIDS, cholangiopathy, severe hypoalbuminemic state, sclerosing cholangitis

Question 2

normal thickness of the gallbladder wall

Answer 2

<3mm

Question 3

Nonbiliary causes of gallbladder wall thickening

Answer 3

Nonbiliary causes include diffuse liver disease (cirrhosis/hepatitis), pancreaititis, portal hypertension, heart failure

Question 4

what does gallbladder wall thickening indicate

Answer 4

•Non-specific sign that does not necessarily indicate gallbladder disease

Question 5

sonographic appearance of gallbladder wall thickening

Answer 5

• Measured when transducer is perpendicualr to anterior gallbladder wall, usually transverse
• Anterior wall should be clearly demarcated
• Over 3mm is considered to be thick
• May be underestimated when wall has extensive fibrosis or is surronded by fat