Acute Emergent Biliary Pathologies Identified Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Abdominal pain is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). Ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic imaging modality for right upper quadrant pain. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a focused examination that can be performed at the patient's bedside to evaluate acute and emergent biliary pathology. The advantages of POCUS include avoiding the potential safety risks associated with transporting critically ill patients, no exposure to ionizing radiation, potentially reduced costs, and rapid diagnosis. This narrative review synthesizes key sonographic findings and techniques for emergent and non-emergent biliary diseases that physicians should recognize at first glance. We present significant and interesting images of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, emphysematous gallbladder, choledocholithiasis or sludge, Mirizzi syndrome, post-operative biliary obstruction, gallbladder polyps, biliary neoplasms, and malignant-appearing lesions or masses. Finally, this review integrates POCUS into clinical pathways to guide decisions regarding additional abdominal imaging, such as computed tomography or radiology-performed ultrasound, and surgical consultation.