Computed tomographic evaluation of gallbladder disease

Evaluation of gallbladder diseases by computed tomography (CT) is limited compared with ultrasonographic evaluation. However, CT can bring about excellent information in advanced carcinoma of the gallbladder, severe and complicated cholecystitis, porcelain gallbladder, and indication for dissolution of gallbladder stones. Unique findings are also available in emphysematous cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, stones with gas (Mercedez-Benz sign), limy bile, and enhancement in acute cholecystitis. Combined use of CT and ultrasound apparently increase the accuracy of diagnosis in carcinoma and cholecystitis. This article is composed of sections on carcinoma, cholecystitis, stone, bile in the gallbladder, calcification, gas and fat, and miscellaneous topics including polypoid lesions, adenomyomatosis, hydrops, and wall thickening.