Gangrenous cholecystitis: Is it a possible diagnosis by ultrasonography?

ABSTRACT

The sonographic findings in 12 patients proved surgically to have gangrenous cholecystitis were analyzed. In all patients a correct preoperative sonographic diagnosis of acute cholecystitis was made. Five patients had a combination of sonographic findings that would not allow differentiation from typical uncomplicated acute cholecystitis. However, in the remaining 7 patients, additional unusual sonographic findings were demonstrated. These included intraluminal membranes, marked irregularities of gall bladder mucosa and /or diffuse intraluminal inhomogeneous non-layering echoes. These sonographic findings were highly suggestive of gangrenous cholecystitis and should prompt early surgical intervention to reduce the associated significant morbidity of this clinically important complication