Gallbladder polyps ultrasound: what the sonographer needs to know

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Gallbladder polyps are common, affecting up to 9.5% of patients, often found incidentally.
• These lesions project into the gallbladder lumen and are typically immobile without posterior acoustic shadowing.
• Polyps are classified as pseudopolyps (benign) or true polyps (benign or malignant).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and diagnostic approaches for gallbladder polyps.
• To emphasize the role of ultrasound in managing gallbladder polyps.
• To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis for appropriate patient management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on gallbladder polyp classification and diagnosis.
• Emphasis on ultrasound as the primary imaging modality.
• Discussion of histopathological findings for definitive diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Gallbladder polyps include benign pseudopolyps (e.g., cholesterolosis) and true polyps (e.g., adenomas).
• Malignant true polyps include adenocarcinomas and metastases.
• Ultrasound is effective in differentiating polyp types and guiding management decisions.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of gallbladder polyps via ultrasound is crucial for appropriate clinical management.
• Ultrasound can limit the need for further investigations and prevent unnecessary gallbladder removal.
• Understanding polyp types aids in risk stratification and surgical decision-making.