Gallbladder adenomyomatosis: imaging findings

Imaging update on gallbladder adenomyomatosis and its mimics

Radiologists across many imaging modalities commonly encounter gallbladder adenomyomatosis. The classic imaging appearances of gallbladder adenomyomatosis are well described and confirm benignity. However, in clinical practice, adenomyomatosis can be challenging to differentiate from other gallbladder pathologies that require cholecystectomy. In this article, we describe the common and uncommon appearances of gallbladder adenomyomatosis on multimodality imaging, helping differentiate adenomyomatosis from non-benign gallbladder abnormalities. Accurately differentiating adenomyomatosis from its mimics provides the surgical team with important clinical and surgical management information, improving patient outcomes.

Safra Kesesi Adenomyomatozisi Prekanseröz Lezyon mudur? Ki-67 ve P53 Pozitif Ekspresyonunun Normal Safra Kesesi Dokusu ile Karşılaştırılması

Amaç: Safra kesesi adenomyomatozisinin (SKA) kesin patogenezi hala tam olarak açıklanamamıştır, tanı ve tedavisine ilişkin bazı tartışmalar mevcut. Başlangıçta kanser öncesi bir lezyon olarak kabul edilen adenomyomatozis, son zamanlarda yapılan çalışmalarda safra kesesinin sıklıkla kolesistit ve kolelitiazis ile ilişkili iyi huylu bir değişikliği olarak kabul edilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, SKA patogenezini araştırmak için; aynı hastada safra kesesi normal ve adenomyomatozis dokusunda, tümör hücrelerinin proliferatif aktivitesini gösteren biyobelirteç düzeyleri ve neoplastik doku pozitiflik paternini gösteren biyobelirteç düzeylerinin karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem: 2019-2020 yılları arasında toplam 750 laparoskopik kolesistektomi uygulanan hastanın patoloji raporları incelenmiş, adenomyomatozis tanısı alan 20 vaka retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Proliferasyon belirteci olarak Ki-67 ve neoplastik aktivite belirteci olarak P53, safra kesesi normal dokusu ile adenomyomatozis dokusunda ayrı ayrı değerlendirilmiştir.Bulgular: Safra kesesi normal ve adenomyomatozis dokusundaki Ki-67 indeksi ortalama değerleri karşılaştırıldığında, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulundu (p<0,000). Ancak bu iki grup P53 indeksi ortalama değerleri açısından karşılaştırıldığında istatistiksel fark bulunamadı (p=0,062).Sonuç: Çalışmada adenomyomatozis dokularında anlamlı derecede yüksek Ki-67 proliferasyon belirteci düzeyleri tespit edilmesine karşın, safra kesesi kanserinin yaygın P53-pozitiflik paterninin bu dokularda normal dokularla karşılaştırıldığında anlamlı farklar saptanmaması, SKA’nin kanser öncüsü bir lezyon olmayıp, iyi huylu proliferatif bir değişiklik olduğunu destekler görünmektedir.

Incidental Findings of Gallbladder and Bile Ducts-Management Strategies: General Aspects, Gallbladder Polyps and Gallbladder Wall Thickening-A World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) Position Paper

The World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) is addressing the issue of incidental findings with a series of position papers to give advice on characterization and management. The biliary system (gallbladder and biliary tree) is the third most frequent site for incidental findings. This first part of the position paper on incidental findings of the biliary system is related to general aspects, gallbladder polyps and other incidental findings of the gallbladder wall. Available evidence on prevalence, diagnostic work-up, malignancy risk, follow-up and treatment is summarized with a special focus on ultrasound techniques. Multiparametric ultrasound features of gallbladder polyps and other incidentally detected gallbladder wall pathologies are described, and their inclusion in assessment of malignancy risk and decision- making on further management is suggested.

Current update on gallbladder carcinoma

Gallbladder (GB) carcinoma is a relatively rare malignancy and is associated with poor prognosis. Numerous risk factors have been associated with the development of GB carcinoma. GB carcinomas may present as mass lesions replacing the GB, focal or diffuse thickening of the GB wall, and intraluminal mass in the GB. Various benign conditions can mimic GB carcinoma. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathology, clinical findings, imaging features, and management of GB carcinomas.

Gallbladder polyps ultrasound: what the sonographer needs to know

Gallbladder polyps are protuberances of the gallbladder wall projecting into the lumen. They are usually incidentally found during abdominal sonography or diagnosed on histopathology of a surgery specimen, with an estimated prevalence of up to 9.5% of patients. Gallbladder polyps are not mobile and do not demonstrate posterior acoustic shadowing; they may be sessile or pedunculated. Gallbladder polyps may be divided into pseudopolyps and true polyps. Pseudopolyps are benign and include cholesterolosis, cholesterinic polyps, inflammatory polyps, and localised adenomyomatosis. True gallbladder polyps can be benign or malignant. Benign polyps are most commonly adenomas, while malignant polyps are adenocarcinomas and metastases. There are also rare types of benign and malignant true gallbladder polyps, including mesenchymal tumours and lymphomas. Ultrasound is the first-choice imaging method for the diagnosis of gallbladder polyps, representing an indispensable tool for ensuring appropriate management. It enables limitation of secondary level investigations and avoidance of unnecessary cholecystectomies.

Benign gallbladder diseases: Imaging techniques and tips for differentiating with malignant gallbladder diseases

Benign gallbladder diseases usually present with intraluminal lesions and localized or diffuse wall thickening. Intraluminal lesions of the gallbladder include gallstones, cholesterol polyps, adenomas, or sludge and polypoid type of gallbladder cancer must subsequently be excluded. Polyp size, stalk width, and enhancement intensity on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and degree of diffusion restriction may help differentiate cholesterol polyps and adenomas from gallbladder cancer. Localized gallbladder wall thickening is largely due to segmental or focal gallbladder adenomyomatosis, although infiltrative cancer may present similarly. Identification of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses is pivotal in diagnosing adenomyomatosis. The layered pattern, degree of enhancement, and integrity of the wall are imaging clues that help discriminate innocuous thickening from gallbladder cancer. High-resolution ultrasound is especially useful for analyzing the layering of gallbladder wall. A diffusely thickened wall is frequently seen in inflammatory processes of the gallbladder. Nevertheless, it is important to check for coexistent cancer in instances of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound used alone is limited in evaluating complicated cholecystitis and often requires complementary computed tomography. In chronic cholecystitis, preservation of a two-layered wall and weak wall enhancement are diagnostic clues for excluding malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with diffusion-weighted imaging helps to differentiate xathogranulomatous cholecystitis from gallbladder cancer by identifying the presence of fat and degree of diffusion restriction. Such distinctions require a familiarity with typical imaging features of various gallbladder diseases and an understanding of the roles that assorted imaging modalities play in gallbladder evaluations.

Recommendations for the Management of Incidental Hepatobiliary Findings in Adults: Endorsement and Adaptation of the 2017 and 2013 ACR Incidental Findings Committee White Papers by the Canadian Association of Radiologists Incidental Findings Working Group

The Canadian Association of Radiologists Incidental Findings Working Group consists of both academic subspecialty and general radiologists and is tasked with adapting and expanding upon the American College of Radiology incidental findings white papers to more closely apply to Canadian practice patterns, particularly more comprehensively dealing with the role of ultrasound and pursuing more cost-effective approaches to the workup of incidental findings without compromising patient care. Presented here are the 2020 Canadian guidelines for the management of hepatobiliary incidental findings. Topics covered include initial assessment of hepatic steatosis and cirrhosis, the workup of incidental liver masses identified on ultrasound and computed tomography (with algorithms presented), incidental gallbladder findings (wall thickening, calcification, and polyps), and management of incidental biliary dilatation.

Chronic inflammation-related radiological findings of gallbladder adenomyomatosis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess radiological findings of adenomyomatosis advancing to chronic inflammation to differentiate between adenomyomatosis with and without chronic inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified 79 patients with pathologically proven adenomyomatosis without (n = 10) or with chronic inflammation (n = 69), who underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by surgery. MRI analysis included evaluation of GB wall-thickening type, presence and location of intramural cysts, and presence of stones. CT analysis included GB wall-thickening type only. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the image-based findings of adenomyomatosis associated with chronic inflammation.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, MRI-based GB wall-thickening type and presence of stones, and CT-based GB wall-thickening type were significantly different between adenomyomatosis with and without chronic inflammation. On multivariate analysis, only the absence of stones was identified as a significant predictor of adenomyomatosis without chronic inflammation (odds ratio 5.58; 95% confidence interval 1.20-26.01; p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in other MRI- and CT-based findings between adenomyomatosis with and without chronic inflammation.

CONCLUSION

In patients with adenomyomatosis, the presence of stones was independently associated with chronic inflammation.

A Resected Gallbladder Carcinoma Coexisting With Adenomyomatosis Involving Varied Degrees of Intraepithelial Dysplasia: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 59-year-old asymptomatic man underwent ultrasonography, which revealed gallstones and thickened gallbladder wall. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a slightly swollen bilocular gallbladder and a soft tissue mass in the fundus site. Segmental adenomyomatosis (ADM) was suspected because numerous fundic cystic lesions were seen on magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed numerous Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses (RAS) and a papillary soft tissue shadow surrounded with irregular and remarkably thickened fundic gallbladder wall. Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/CT demonstrated slightly increased fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake in the corresponding lesion. Surgery was performed under a diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) with concomitant ADM, and histopathology revealed a 30-mm papillotubular adenocarcinoma extending from the gallbladder body to fundus with invasion into the subserosa. Numerous RAS were present throughout the gallbladder showing various degrees of dysplasia. Ki67 and p53-labeling index (LI) was significantly higher in the dysplastic epithelium compared with normal fundic epithelium. p53-LI was also markedly increased (72.1%) in tissue in front of tumor invasion. Interestingly, these hyperproliferation indicators were extremely high (Ki67-LI: 28.8%; p53-LI: 91.9%) in RAS with low-grade dysplasia even in the gallbladder neck. Although, generally, tumors do not develop in the gallbladder neck with segmental ADM, our results suggest that a gallbladder with ADM has potential for carcinogenesis regardless of location, with segmental ADM. On the basis of histopathology, our patient was diagnosed with GBC arising from RAS with multicentric and multistep growth. A relationship between GBC and ADM, especially segmental ADM, has been suggested but remains controversial. Our experience is very suggestive of carcinogenesis developing from ADM.

Incidentally Detected Focal Fundal Gallbladder Wall Thickening at Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: Prevalence and Computed Tomography Features of Malignancy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and computed tomography (CT) features of malignancy in incidental focal fundal gallbladder wall thickening.

METHODS

Patients with incidental focal fundal gallbladder wall thickening on CT were included if they had an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic of the etiology (n = 19), stability on CT for 1 year (n = 84), or pathological correlation (n = 13). Morphologies were classified as type 1 (nodular/pinched intramural low attenuation), type 2 (intramural low attenuation), type 3 (homogeneous enhancement), type 4 (nodular/pinched homogeneous enhancement), type 5 (intramural cystic spaces), or type 6 (hyperenhancing/heterogeneous enhancement).

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen patients had the following morphologies: type 1 (n = 57), type 2 (n = 10), type 3 (n = 6), type 4 (n = 19), type 5 (n = 14), and type 6 (n = 10). Four cases (3.4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.9%-8.6%) of malignancy were identified (type 6 in 3 and type 3 in 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental focal fundal gallbladder wall thickening is usually benign. Computed tomography features help distinguish benign from malignant etiologies.

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis: imaging findings, tricks and pitfalls

Abstract

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis (GA) is a benign alteration of the gallbladder wall that can be found in up to 9% of patients. GA is characterized by a gallbladder wall thickening containing small bile-filled cystic spaces (i.e., the Rokitansky–Aschoff sinuses, RAS). The bile contained in RAS may undergo a progressive concentration process leading to crystal precipitation and calcification development. A correct characterization of GA is fundamental in order to avoid unnecessary cholecystectomies. Ultrasound (US) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing GA; the use of high-frequency probes and a precise focal depth adjustment enable correct identification and characterization of GA in the majority of cases. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be performed if RAS cannot be clearly identified at baseline US: RAS appear avascular at CEUS, independently from their content. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be reserved for cases that are unclear on US and CEUS. At MRI, RAS can be identified with extremely high sensitivity, but their signal intensity varies widely according to their content. Positron emission tomography (PET) may be helpful for excluding malignancy in selected cases. Computed tomography (CT) and cholangiography are not routinely indicated in the suspicion of GA.

Teaching points

1. Gallbladder adenomyomatosis is a common benign lesion (1–9% of the patients).

2. Identification of Rokitansky–Aschoff sinuses is crucial for diagnosing gallbladder adenomyomatosis.

3. Sonography is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing gallbladder adenomyomatosis.

4. Intravenous contrast material administration increases ultrasound accuracy in diagnosing gallbladder adenomyomatosis.

5. Magnetic resonance is a problem-solving technique for unclear cases.

Twinkling artifact on color Doppler ultrasound: an advantage or a pitfall?

The twinkling artifact (TA) or color comet-tail artifact is characterized by a rapidly changing mixture of red and blue color Doppler signals. Even though many diseases and clinical conditions have been shown to produce this artifact, its source is not clearly understood yet. The TA may provide additional information to gray-scale ultrasound findings in several clinical situations. However, there may be pitfalls to keep in mind. We must first be aware of the TA to benefit from the advantages and avoid the pitfalls. In this review, we aim to give practicing radiologists an overview of the mechanisms and clinical applications of the TA by illustrating sample cases we have encountered.

A literature review of radiological findings to guide the diagnosis of gallbladder adenomyomatosis

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis (GA) is a benign gallbladder entity discovered as an asymptomatic gallbladder mass. Since gallbladder cancer is in the differential diagnosis for gallbladder masses, the ability to differentiate benign disease avoids a more extensive oncologic resection. This study sought to review imaging modalities used to diagnose GA.

METHODS

PubMed and SciVerse Scopus were systematically searched using the terms: "gallbladder adenomyomatosis" and "gallbladder imaging" for articles published between January 2000 and January 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles were reviewed in this analysis. Contemporary series report the use of ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in GA imaging. Ultrasound detection of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses, visualized as small cystic spaces with associated "comet-tail" or "twinkling" artifact, is pathognomonic for GA. A "Pearl-Necklace" sign of small connected sinuses on MRI or "Rosary" sign on CT are additional characteristics that may assist in establishing a diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is the most commonly used tool to investigate GA. If not diagnostic, CT or MRI are effective in attempting to differentiate a benign or malignant cholecystic mass. Characteristic signs should lead the surgeon to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in symptomatic patients or manage non-operatively in asymptomatic patients.

Multiple comet tail artifacts in the liver: a case of congenital hepatic fibrosis showing unusual biliary appearance

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a form of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Because of the common underlying pathophysiology of ductal plate malformation, CHF can be accompanied by an abnormal biliary appearance, which is characterized by a saccular or fusiform dilatation of the bile ducts. We encountered the case of a 35-year-old man suffering from CHF concomitant with esophageal varices, which were treated by endoscopic sclerotherapy. The patient had elevated serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase without apparent biliary disease, including hepatolithiasis or a history of cholangitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiography showed an abnormal biliary appearance, which was not saccular or fusiform but had multiple stenosis with unknown causes. B-mode sonogram showed multiple comet tail artifacts in the liver parenchyma, probably corresponding to the compact fibrosis bands and bile in the bile duct as well as peripheral bile duct dilatation, which was proven pathologically. We propose that multiple comet tail artifacts in the liver may suggest the presence of a bile duct abnormality in patients with CHF, suggesting the potential risk for developing biliary complications.

Description of the first case of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder in an infant

We report here the case of the youngest patient with adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder in a female infant diagnosed at 4 months of age. This diagnosis was made based on characteristic ultrasonography findings in a patient that was undergoing routine surveillance for a suspected clinical diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. The patient remains asymptomatic and currently no surgical interventions have been needed. We review the pathophysiology and ultrasonographic findings of this rare condition and present a comparison with the only other four pediatric cases of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder.

Focal thickening at the fundus of the gallbladder: computed tomography differentiation of fundal type adenomyomatosis and localized chronic cholecystitis

Background/Aims

The objective of our study was to identify useful computed tomography (CT) findings for differentiating fundal type adenomyomatosis from localized chronic cholecystitis involving the fundus of the gallbladder.

Methods

We retrospectively identified cases of 41 patients with pathologically proven adenomyomatosis (n=21) or chronic cholecystitis (n=20) who had fundal thickening of the gallbladder on preoperative abdominal CT. Analysis of the CT findings included evaluation of the thickness, contour, border, intralesional cystic area, adjacent gallbladder wall thickening, presence of inner layer enhancement, enhancement grade, enhancement pattern, and presence of stones. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test.

Results

Oval contour, inner layer enhancement and intralesional cystic area were more frequently noted in adenomyomatosis than in chronic cholecystitis (p<0.05 for each finding). Flat contour and adjacent gallbladder wall thickening were more frequently observed in chronic cholecystitis than in adenomyomatosis. No differences between adenomyomatosis and chronic cholecystitis in terms of the thickness, enhancement grade, enhancement pattern and presence of stones were apparent.

Conclusions

CT may help to differentiate fundal type adenomyomatosis from localized chronic cholecystitis involving the fundus of the gallbladder.

Differentiation of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder from early-stage, wall-thickening-type gallbladder cancer using high-resolution ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of transabdominal high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) for differentiation of adenomyomatosis from early-stage, wall-thickening-type gallbladder (GB) cancer.

METHODS

HRUS was defined as the addition of high megahertz imaging to conventional low megahertz imaging with use of state-of-the-art imaging technology. HRUS findings were retrospectively compared in 45 patients with adenomyomatosis and 28 patients with stage T1/T2 wall-thickening-type GB cancer. For evaluating HRUS performance in the differential diagnosis of adenomyomatosis from GB cancer, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used with a five-point confidence scale independently scored by three blinded radiologists who also analysed morphological abnormalities.

RESULTS

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A (z)) values of HRUS in the diagnosis of adenomyomatosis were 0.948, 0.915 and 0.917 for reviewers 1, 2 and 3. Symmetrical wall thickening, intramural cystic spaces, intramural echogenic foci and twinkling artefacts were significantly associated with adenomyomatosis (P < 0.05), whereas irregular thickening of the outer wall, focal innermost hyperechoic layer (IHL) discontinuity, IHL irregularity, IHL thickening greater than 1 mm, loss of multilayer pattern in the GB wall, and intralesional vascularity were significantly associated with cancer (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of intramural cystic spaces/echogenic foci for the diagnosis of adenomyomatosis were 80.0 %, 85.7 % and 82.2 %.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that HRUS can be helpful for distinguishing adenomyomatosis from early-stage, wall-thickening-type GB cancer.

Color Doppler twinkling artifacts from gallbladder adenomyomatosis with 1.8 MHz and 4.0 MHz color Doppler frequencies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of color Doppler twinkling artifacts (CDTAs) in the evaluation of gallbladder adenomyomatosis with differently colored Doppler frequencies. An ultrasound was performed by an experienced radiologist in 17 patients with typical gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Two abdominal radiologists retrospectively evaluated the anatomic locations, the intensity of 69 CDTAs on 1.8 MHz and 4.0 MHz Doppler frequencies, and the intensity of the corresponding comet-tail artifacts. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis test. The intensity of the CDTAs was significantly greater than that of the comet-tail artifacts, regardless of the color Doppler frequency and anatomic location (p < 0.001). The intensity of the CDTAs on 1.8 MHz was significantly higher than that on 4.0 MHz color Doppler frequency (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CDTAs may be useful in recognizing gallbladder adenomyomatosis, and 1.8 MHz color Doppler frequency is more highly recommended than 4.0 MHz for the visualization of CDTAs.

Rare gallbladder adenomyomatosis presenting as atypical cholecystitis: case report

Background

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis is a benign condition characterized by hyperplastic change in the gallbladder wall and overgrowth of the mucosa because of an unknown cause. Patients with gallbladder adenomyomatosis usually present with abdominal pain. However, we herein describe a case of a patient with gallbladder adenomyomatosis who did not present with abdominal pain, but with only fever.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old man presented to our hospital with a fever. No abdominal discomfort was declared. His physical examination showed no abnormalities. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed thickness of the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis was diagnosed. The fever persisted even after 1 week of antibiotic therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen showed gallbladder adenomyomatosis with intramural Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses. Exploratory laparotomy with cholecystectomy was performed. The fever recovered and no residual symptoms were reported at the 3-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis can present with fever as the only symptom. Although the association between gallbladder adenomyomatosis and malignancy has yet to be elucidated, previous reports have shown a strong association between gallbladder carcinoma and a subtype of gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Surgical intervention remains the first-choice treatment for patients with gallbladder adenomyomatosis.

Gallbladder imaging

The treatment of gallbladder disease has been revolutionized by improvements in laparoscopic surgery as well as endoscopic and radiologic interventional techniques. Therapeutic success is dependent on accurate radiologic assessment of gallbladder pathology. This article describes recent technical advances in ultrasonography, multidetector computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and scintigraphy, which have significantly improved the accuracy of noninvasive imaging of benign and malignant gallbladder disease. The imaging findings of common gallbladder disorders are presented, and the role of each of the imaging modalities is placed in perspective for optimizing patient management.

Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder: the "good omen" comet

BACKGROUND

As emergency physicians perform bedside ultrasound with greater frequency, greater numbers of incidental and potentially unfamiliar sonographic findings will be encountered.

OBJECTIVES

Illustrate, discuss, and briefly review literature regarding one such finding and diagnosis in right upper quadrant sonography.

CASE REPORT

A middle-aged woman was evaluated in the Emergency Department for abdominal pain. Limited bedside sonography of the gallbladder revealed mural thickening and comet-tailing. A diagnosis of adenomyomatosis was made.

CONCLUSION

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis can produce ultrasound findings similar to those of more serious and emergent gallbladder diseases. Cognizance of the sonographic details and typical clinical characteristics will allow the emergency physician to appropriately assess and disposition patients with this condition.

[Imaging in the diagnosis and the staging of gallbladder tumors]

Most of gallbladder tumors are benign. Adenoma, cholesterol polyps, or adenomyomatosis are most frequently typical on ultrasonographic images. All symptomatic lesions must be considered as indications for surgery. It may be difficult to identify precancerous or malignant lesion. Polyps over 1cm are indication for preventive cholecystectomy. In case of suspicious polyp or suspicious wall thickening, endoscopic ultrasonography can be helpful to evaluate local tumoral spread and eliminate differential diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnosis of gallbladder cancer is often late, when surgical resection can't be curative. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations are then useful for local and metastatic staging.

Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder resembling honeycomb in a child

Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder is believed to be an uncommon pathologic condition of the gallbladder in childhood. Only three pediatric cases have been described in the literature up to now. Honeycomb gallbladder has been described in two adult patients; no patients have been reported in childhood until now. To the best of our knowledge, we report here the first case of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder which resembled honeycomb, in a 9-year-old girl presented with recurrent abdominal pain. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound, and confirmed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and finally cholecystectomy. In conclusion, ultrasound scanning performed more generally in children presenting with recurrent abdominal pain might lead to accurate diagnosis of adenomyomotosis of the gallbladder during childhood.