Ultrasonographic findings in acute acalculous cholecystitis

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is usually seen as a complication of major surgery or trauma. Although this entity is well-known in the surgical literature, little has been written about it in the radiologic literature. A review of patient records from 1975 through 1982 revealed 16 patients with pathologically confirmed AAC on whom at least 1 sonographic study had been performed. Thickening of the gallbladder wall, a subserosal "halo" of edema, pericholecystic abscess, and marked gallbladder distention were consistent findings in AAC. In the proper clinical setting, these otherwise nonspecific findings allow a prompt and accurate diagnosis.