Which term describes a gallbladder finding that is hepatized due to sludge?

Which term describes a gallbladder finding that is hepatized due to sludge?

• A. Hepatization of the GB
• B. Porcelain GB
• C. Acalculous cholecystitis
• D. Cholecystitis

Answer: (A)

When the gallbladder lumen is filled with heavy sludge, its echo texture can become similar to liver tissue on ultrasound. This liver-like appearance is described as hepatization of the gallbladder. It reflects a substantial amount of sludge or pus within the gallbladder, giving a homogenous, echogenic, isoechoic appearance to the surrounding liver. This term is distinct from porcelain gallbladder, which is calcification of the gallbladder wall; from acalculous cholecystitis, which is inflammation without stones and usually shows wall thickening and sometimes pericholecystic fluid; and from cholecystitis in general, which denotes gallbladder inflammation often associated with stones. Hence, the best descriptor for a sludge-filled gallbladder that looks liver-like is hepatization of the gallbladder.

When the gallbladder lumen is filled with heavy sludge, its echo texture can become similar to liver tissue on ultrasound. This liver-like appearance is described as hepatization of the gallbladder. It reflects a substantial amount of sludge or pus within the gallbladder, giving a homogenous, echogenic, isoechoic appearance to the surrounding liver.

This term is distinct from porcelain gallbladder, which is calcification of the gallbladder wall; from acalculous cholecystitis, which is inflammation without stones and usually shows wall thickening and sometimes pericholecystic fluid; and from cholecystitis in general, which denotes gallbladder inflammation often associated with stones. Hence, the best descriptor for a sludge-filled gallbladder that looks liver-like is hepatization of the gallbladder.