Computed tomography of the nonvisualizing gallbladder

A prospective computed tomography (CT) study of a group of patients suspected of having gallbladder disease was performed. Ten patients were evaluated who had gallbladder nonvisualization on two consecutive oral contrast medium administrations. Evaluation of the gallbladder and common bile duct by CT disclosed specific abnormalities including gallstones, unsuspected common bile duct obstruction, and acute and chronic cholecystitis. Additional information on the physiologic processes involved in gallbladder nonvisualization is offered.