Age and incidence of occult pancreaticobiliary reflux in patients with benign gallbladder diseases

BACKGROUND

Occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (OPBR) has a significant correlation with diseases of the gallbladder and biliary system. This study examined the incidence of OPBR by age in patients with benign gallbladder diseases.

METHODS

We assessed 475 patients with benign gallbladder diseases who underwent surgery at Shanghai East Hospital from December 2020 to December 2021. Bile samples collected during surgery were tested for amylase. Patients with bile amylase >110 U/L (n = 64) were classified as the OPBR group; the rest (n = 411) as controls.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 375 had gallbladder stone (GS), 170 had gallbladder polyp (GP), and 49 had gallbladder adenomyomatosis (GA). The OPBR group was generally older, with OPBR incidence increasing with age, peaking post-45. Rates by age were: 4.9% (<35), 5.2% (35-44), 20.7% (45-54), 22.5% (55-64) and 17.6% (≥65), mainly in GS patients. ROC analysis for predicting OPBR by age yielded an area under the curve of 0.656, optimal cut-off at 45 years. Logistic regression indicated age > 45, GP, male gender, and BMI ≥ 24 kg*m-2 as independent OPBR predictors in GS patients. Based on these variables, a predictive nomogram was constructed, and its effectiveness was validated using the ROC curve, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). Further stratification revealed that among GS patients ≤ 45, concurrent GA was an OPBR risk; for > 45, it was GP and male gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of OPBR in GS patients is notably influenced by age, with those over 45, especially males without GP, being at heightened risk.

Differences in the Impact of Obesity and Metabolic Unhealthiness on the Risk of Gallbladder Polyp

PURPOSE

Differences in the impact of obesity and metabolic health status on the risk of gallbladder polyp (GBP) remain uncertain. Herein, we aimed to compare the risk of GBP ≥5 mm among individuals with different phenotypes based on obesity and metabolic health status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of 253485 asymptomatic adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography screening were categorized into the following four groups according to obesity and metabolic health status: 1) metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO), 2) metabolically unhealthy and non-obese (MUNO), 3) metabolically healthy but obese (MHO), and 4) metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO).

RESULTS

The prevalences of GBP ≥5 mm were 2.4%, 3.1%, 3.7%, and 4.0% in the MHNO, MUNO, MHO, and MUO groups, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) values for prevalence of GBP ≥5 mm by comparing the MUNO, MHO, and MUO with the MHNO group were 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.19], 1.30 (95% CI, 1.15-1.47), and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.28-1.45), respectively. The risk of GBP ≥5 mm in the MHO group was significantly higher than that in the MUNO group, but not significantly different from that in the MUO group.

CONCLUSION

Obesity and metabolic unhealthiness appear to be independent risk factors for the prevalence of GBP, and the impact of obesity is greater than that of metabolic unhealthiness, suggesting that maintaining both normal weight and metabolic health may help reduce the risk of GBP.

Survey uncovering variations in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis across Europe

Background & Aims

Data on the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in European expert centres are sparse. In this study, a PSC group from the ERN RARE-LIVER surveyed European hepatologists to uncover differences in real-life clinical practices.

Methods

In April 2020 a survey questionnaire was sent to members of the International PSC Study Group and ERN RARE-LIVER. Participants were asked about the size of their PSC cohort, use of medical treatments including ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and surveillance for cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder polyps and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data were presented descriptively.

Results

Eighty-two of 278 members responded. Fifty percent of physicians prescribed UDCA routinely to all their patients with PSC, whereas 12% never prescribed UDCA. UDCA was used for one or more indications including: alkaline phosphatase >1.5x the upper limit of normal, severe PSC changes, pruritus, PSC-IBD or patient demand. Few physicians offered other medical treatments than UDCA. The use of medical treatments was generally comparable in small (<99 patients) and large (≥99 patients) cohorts, as well as for adult and paediatric physicians. Most physicians routinely screened for cholangiocarcinoma and the most frequent modalities used were MRI and ultrasound. At detection of a gallbladder polyp of 6 mm, 46% of physicians recommended repeated ultrasound after 3-6 months, whereas 44% of physicians recommended immediate cholecystectomy. In patients with PSC without IBD at PSC diagnosis, 68% of physicians repeated colonoscopy within 3-5 years whereas 27% referred only patients who developed symptoms of IBD.

Conclusion

Substantial variations in treatment and monitoring of European patients with PSC were discovered. Harmonisation of strategies is desirable to enable improved interpretation of outcome data and to optimise clinical patient care.

Lay summary

In this study, we explored how different centres in Europe manage primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare inflammatory disease of the bile ducts. We collected information through a questionnaire sent to specialist physicians who were part of a European network for rare liver diseases. We found several differences in how patients with PSC were monitored and treated. This includes differences in surveillance for bile duct cancer, gallbladder polyps and inflammatory bowel disease. By pointing out these differences, we hope that management of PSC will be standardized, which could aid clinical research and benefit patients.

Gallbladder polyps growth rate is an independent risk factor for neoplastic polyps

Background

The size of gallbladder (GB) polyps is a representative risk factor for neoplastic polyps. However, whether growth rate during follow‐up is associated with neoplastic polyps remains unclear.

Methods

From 2009 to 2019, a cohort of patients with GB polyps who underwent cholecystectomy was enrolled. We included only patients who underwent at least two abdominal ultrasonography procedures at least 6 months apart prior to cholecystectomy. Performance and optimal cutoff value of polyp growth rate for predicting neoplastic polyps were estimated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In addition to growth rate, several other variables considered suitable for predicting neoplastic polyps were also investigated. A nomogram was created to predict neoplastic polyps.

Results

A total of 239 patients with neoplastic polyps (n = 27, 11.3%) and non‐neoplastic polyps (n = 212, 88.7%) were included. The median follow‐up period was 28.5 months. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of polyp growth rate for neoplastic polyps was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.72). The growth rate cutoff value for prediction of neoplastic polyps was 3 mm/year (sensitivity, 37.0%; specificity, 86.3%). Multivariate analysis identified several factors predicting neoplastic polyps: polyp size ≥10 mm (odds ratio [OR], 3.74, p = 0.041), solitary polyp (OR, 3.92, p = 0.004), and polyp growth rate ≥ 3 mm/year (OR, 2.75, p = 0.031). The AUROC of the nomogram using these three significant factors in multivariate analysis was 0.71.

Conclusion

GB polyps with a growth rate of over 3 mm per year on ultrasonography during follow‐up should be considered a risk factor for neoplastic polyps.

Risk factors for gallbladder polyps observed through second-look abdominal sonography in patients with fatty liver disease

FLD, older age group, and alcohol consumption are major risk factors of GBP formation in Taiwanese population. The presence of GBPs might be revealed in second-look examinations of abdominal sonographies.

A nomogram-based model and ultrasonic radiomic features for gallbladder polyp classification

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) are relatively common. Many studies have attempted to distinguish between benign and neoplastic GBPs to identify early-stage gallbladder carcinoma. We have established an accurate neoplastic predictive model and evaluated the effectiveness of radiomics in predicting malignancy in patients with GBPs.

METHODS

A total of 503 patients confirmed through postoperative pathology were included in this retrospective study. Clinical information and ultrasonographic findings were retrospectively analyzed. The model was constructed from independent risk factors using Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis of a training cohort of 250 GBP patients, and its efficacy was verified using an internal validation group of 253 consecutive patients through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The area of GBPs was delimited manually, and the texture features of ultrasound images were analyzed using correlation and ROC analysis.

RESULTS

Independent predictors, including age, gallstones, carcinoembryonic antigen, polyp size, and sessile shape, were incorporated into the nomogram model for the neoplastic potential of GBPs. Compared with other proposed prediction methods, the established nomogram model showed good discrimination ability in the training group (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.865) and validation group (AUC: 0.845). Regarding ultrasonic radiomics, the minimum caliper diameter was identified as the only independent predictor (AUC: 0.841).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preoperative nomogram model can successfully evaluate the neoplastic potential of GBPs using simple clinical data, and our study verified the use of radiomics in GBP identification, which may be valuable for avoiding unnecessary surgery in patients.

Gallbladder polyp in children - a rare finding during ultrasound examination

Gallbladder polyps are a relatively rare finding in children. The increased use of high-resolution ultrasound in childhood allows to detect gallbladder lesions in young patients. A precise diagnosis can be established using different imaging series. Abdominal contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination provides the most accurate imaging information about the nature and size of the lesion. This is important for further decisions regarding patient referral for cholecystectomy. The object of this study was to present a case of gallbladder polyp diagnosed and followed up by contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Longitudinal Ultrasound Assessment of Changes in Size and Number of Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps

BACKGROUND. Previous European multisociety guidelines recommend routine follow-up imaging of gallbladder polyps (including polyps < 6 mm in patients without risk factors) and cholecystectomy for polyp size changes of 2 mm or more. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess longitudinal changes in the number and size of gallbladder polyps on serial ultrasound examinations. METHODS. This retrospective study included patients who underwent at least one ultrasound examination between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020 (as part of a hepatocellular carcinoma screening and surveillance program) that showed a gallbladder polyp. Number of polyps and size of largest polyp were recorded based primarily on review of examination reports. Longitudinal changes on serial examinations were summarized. Pathologic findings from cholecystectomy were reviewed. RESULTS. Among 9683 patients, 759 (8%) had at least one ultrasound examination showing a polyp. Of these, 434 patients (248 men, 186 women; mean age, 50.6 years) had multiple examinations (range, 2-19 examinations; mean, 4.8 examinations per patient; mean interval between first and last examinations, 3.6 ± 3.1 [SD] years; maximum interval, 11.0 years). Among these 434 patients, 257 had one polyp, 40 had two polyps, and 137 had more than two polyps. Polyp size was 6 mm or less in 368 patients, 7-9 mm in 52 patients, and 10 mm or more in 14 patients. Number of polyps increased in 9% of patients, decreased in 14%, both increased and decreased on serial examinations in 22%, and showed no change in 55%. Polyp size increased in 10% of patients, decreased in 16%, both increased and decreased on serial examinations in 18%, and showed no change in 56%. In 9% of patients, gallbladder polyps were not detected on follow-up imaging; in 6% of patients, gallbladder polyps were not detected on a follow-up examination but were then detected on later studies. No gallbladder carcinoma was identified in 19 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. CONCLUSION. Gallbladder polyps fluctuate in size, number, and visibility over serial examinations. Using a 2-mm threshold for growth, 10% increased in size. No carcinoma was identified. CLINICAL IMPACT. European multisociety guidelines that propose surveillance of essentially all polyps and a 2-mm size change as the basis for cholecystectomy are likely too conservative for clinical application.

Conventional Ultrasound Combined With Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Differential Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cholesterol and Adenomatous Polyps (1-2 cm)

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine ultrasonic image characteristics that enable differentiation between cholesterol and adenomatous polyps and to assess the diagnostic efficacy of combining conventional ultrasound (CUS) with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with gallbladder polyps of 1-2 cm in diameter were enrolled and examined by CUS and CEUS before cholecystectomy. The appearances on CUS and CEUS were recorded and analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the optimal size threshold for distinguishing cholesterol from adenomatous polyps. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify diagnostic variables. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the size, the independent variables, and the combined factors.

RESULTS

There were differences in size, number, vascularity on CUS and intralesional vascular shape, wash-out, and area under the curve on CEUS between the two groups (P < .05). ROC analysis indicated that a maximum diameter of 1.45 cm was the optimal threshold for the prediction of adenomatous polyps. The logistic regression analysis proved that the single polyp, presence of vascularity, and intralesional linear vessels were associated with adenomatous polyps (P < .05). ROC analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity for the combination of the three independent variables were 0.858, 87.3%, and 67.6%. The number combined with intralesional vascular shape had the highest diagnostic sensitivity of 91.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CUS and CEUS demonstrated great significance in the differential diagnosis of cholesterol and adenomatous polyps.

An unusual case of a gallbladder polyp

A 63-year old female patient with a medical history of hypereosinophilic syndrome with neurological and pulmonary involvement presented for a routine follow-up. The patient was asymptomatic but a routine scheduled ultrasound showed a gallbladder polyp of 19mm. One month later this polyp had grown to 36 mm. On magnetic resonance imaging of the liver there was a suspicion of gallbladder cancer and for this reason cholecystectomy was performed. Pathology however showed eosinophilic infiltration. Serum analysis showed an increase in her eosinophil count. The diagnosis of hypereosinophilic syndrome with eosinophilic infiltration of the gallbladder was made. The dose of corticosteroids was augmented and she recovered completely post-operatively with no residual flares of other organ damage during follow up.

Gallbladder Polyp Classification in Ultrasound Images Using an Ensemble Convolutional Neural Network Model

Differential diagnosis of true gallbladder polyps remains a challenging task. This study aimed to differentiate true polyps in ultrasound images using deep learning, especially gallbladder polyps less than 20 mm in size, where clinical distinction is necessary. A total of 501 patients with gallbladder polyp pathology confirmed through cholecystectomy were enrolled from two tertiary hospitals. Abdominal ultrasound images of gallbladder polyps from these patients were analyzed using an ensemble model combining three convolutional neural network (CNN) models and a 5-fold cross-validation. True polyp diagnosis with the ensemble model that learned only using ultrasonography images achieved an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8960 and accuracy of 83.63%. After adding patient age and polyp size information, the diagnostic performance of the ensemble model improved, with a high specificity of 88.35%, AUC of 0.9082, and accuracy of 87.61%, outperforming the individual CNN models constituting the ensemble model. In the subgroup analysis, the ensemble model showed the best performance with AUC of 0.9131 for polyps larger than 10 mm. Our proposed ensemble model that combines three CNN models classifies gallbladder polyps of less than 20 mm in ultrasonography images with high accuracy and can be useful for avoiding unnecessary cholecystectomy with high specificity.

Incidental Gallbladder Carcinoma in Gallbladder Polyps: Challenges of Gallbladder Malignancy for an Endemic Population

Background

Gallbladder polyps are considered pre-malignant lesions of gallbladder carcinoma. This study aims to highlight the role of early cholecystectomy in the management of gallbladder polyps in an endemic population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 2,076 lap cholecystectomy procedures performed at the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at a tertiary referral centre in Northern India was conducted and incidental malignancy in gallbladder polyps analysed. The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer for tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) staging of gallbladder carcinoma was used.

Results

Of 54 patients with gallbladder polyps, 53 had benign histology and one had malignant cells in the lamina propria suggestive of T1a adenocarcinoma. The patient with the malignant polyp was older (57 years old) than the patients in the non-cancer group, which had a mean age of 45 (P = 0.039). The size of the malignant polyp was approximately 4 mm, significantly smaller than the average 7.9 mm size of the benign polys (P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy needs to be considered early in the management of small-sized gallbladder polyps, particularly in areas endemic for gallbladder carcinoma.

Detectability on Plain CT is an Effective Discriminator between Carcinoma and Benign Disorder for a Polyp >10 mm in the Gallbladder

An appropriate diagnosis is required to avoid unnecessary surgery for gallbladder cholesterol polyps (GChPs) and to appropriately treat pedunculated gallbladder carcinomas (GCs). Generally, polyps >10 mm are regarded as surgical candidates. We retrospectively evaluated plain and contrast-enhanced (CE) computed tomography (CT) findings and histopathological features of 11 early GCs and 10 GChPs sized 10–30 mm to differentiate between GC and GChP >10 mm and determine their histopathological background. Patient characteristics, including polyp size, did not significantly differ between groups. All GCs and GChPs were detected on CE-CT; GCs were detected more often than GChPs on plain CT (73% vs. 9%; p < 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for GCs were 73%, 90%, 89%, 75%, and 81%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, lesion detectability on plain CT was independently associated with GCs (odds ratio, 27.1; p = 0.044). Histopathologically, GChPs consisted of adipose tissue. Although larger vessel areas in GCs than in GChPs was not significant (52,737 μm² vs. 31,906 μm²; p = 0.51), cell densities were significantly greater in GCs (0.015/μm² vs. 0.0080/μm²; p < 0.01). Among GPs larger than 10 mm, plain CT could contribute to differentiating GCs from GChPs.

Synchronous gallbladder metastasis of renal cell carcinoma presenting as a gallbladder polyp: A case report

RATIONALE

Gallbladder polyps are common in the general population, but gallbladder metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is very rare. In a patient with RCC diagnosed with a small gallbladder polyp that does not meet the traditional size criteria, the surgeon faces a dilemma of whether cholecystectomy should be performed given the possibility of metastasis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 55-year-old man who had received a left nephrectomy for RCC presented with a gallbladder polyp that was noted at the time of the nephrectomy. Imaging showed the maximum diameter of the polyp had increased from 5 mm to 24 mm in the 40 months after the initial diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS

Pathological and immunohistology findings confirmed the gallbladder polyp as a metastasis of clear-cell RCC.

INTERVENTIONS

: We performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OUTCOMES

Even though the synchronous solitary gallbladder metastasis was left untreated and a cholecystectomy was not performed over the 40 months, no metastasis occurred in other sites. The patient is free from disease 10 months after the cholecystectomy.

LESSONS

Solitary gallbladder metastasis of RCC may have more favorable outcomes than typical metastases. Although gallbladder metastasis of RCC occur rarely, it can occur, and any changes in gallbladder polyps in RCC patients should be managed under a strong suspicion of metastasis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided cholecystostomy for resection of gallbladder polyps with lumen-apposing metal stent

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the routine method to treat gallbladder polyps. Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided cholecystostomy as a bridge for per-oral transmural endoscopic resection of gallbladder polyps is introduced because preservation of gallbladder is increasingly getting attention. The aim of our study was to evaluate the approach in the treatment of patients with gallbladder polyps and symptomatic gallstones.EUS-guided cholecystostomy with the placement of a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) was performed for those patients with accompanying gallbladder polyps and symptomatic gallstones. Several days after the cholecystostomy with LAMS, a gastroscope was introduced into the gallbladder to remove gallbladder polyps.All patients were successfully performed with the procedures of EUS-guided cholecystoduodenostomy (n = 3) or cholecystogastrostomy (n = 1) and endoscopic resection of gallbladder polyps. One patient experienced severe peritonitis. During the follow-up at 3 months, 1 patient was performed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy because ultrasonography examination showed the reappeared gallstones. No stone recurrence was found in other patients. During the follow-up of 3 to 15 months, no polyp recurrence was found in all the patients.The approach is novel for performing EUS-guided gallbladder fistulization, which can subsequently allow procedures of per-oral transmural endoscopic resection of gallbladder polyps to avoid cholecystectomy in the patients with gallbladder polyps and gallstones. However, further studies are needed before clinical recommendation because of the complications and stone recurrence.

Helicobacter pylori is not a contributing factor in gallbladder polyps or gallstones: a case-control matching study of Chinese individuals

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gallstones or gallbladder polyps.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included 27,881 individuals who underwent health examinations that included a H. pylori test and an abdominal ultrasound scan. Patients were divided into four groups: gallbladder polyp (P group), gallstone (S group), gallstone and gallbladder polyp (SP group), and no gallbladder disease (N group). Case-control matching was used to select the participants in the control group.

RESULTS

The mean ages of participants in the P, S, and SP groups were all significantly higher than the mean age of participants in the N group. The proportions of participants with each type of body mass index significantly differed between the N and P groups, and between the N and S groups. In total 45.7% of participants exhibited H. pylori infection. After case-control matching, the proportion of participants with H. pylori infection did not significantly differ according to the presence or absence of gallbladder polyps. Similar results were observed regarding gallstones, as well as gallstones and gallbladder polyps.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection might not be related to gallbladder polyps or gallstones.

Transgastric endoscopic gallbladder polypectomy and cholecystolithiasis: A case report

As the most common digestive-system disease, cholelithiasis and gallbladder polyps have a high incidence. The most common treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but there are numerous drawbacks, including stump syndrome. In the present study, a novel treatment, namely transgastric endoscopic gallbladder polypectomy and cholecystolithiasis, was applied. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report on this application, which can potentially avoid open surgery and associated scars and allows for rapid recovery after surgery, and may therefore be worthy of further development and implementation in clinical practice. It is esteemed that in the future, transgastric endoscopy gallbladder polypectomy and cholecystolithiasis will be considered as a treatment option for certain patients and is subjected to constant improvements.

Unexpected Gallbladder Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) commonly metastasizes to areas such as the lungs, liver, bone, brain, adrenals, and lymph nodes. We present a rare case of a 59-year-old female patient with RCC metastasis to the gallbladder. The patient had undergone right nephrectomy for RCC more than 6 years prior to the metastasis. During routine follow-up, a polypoid lesion of the gallbladder was identified. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed, and pathologic examination of the specimen revealed metastatic RCC. The patient was completely asymptomatic, which reinforces the importance of postoperative follow-up. Renal cell carcinoma is one of the few common malignancies for which there is good evidence of survival benefit from surgical resection of the metastatic tumours.

When should gallbladder polyps be treated surgically?

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to better understand the best surgery timing for gallbladder polyps (GP).

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to determine the potential for malignant transformation and the best timing for surgery in GP, based on an assessment of the clinical symptomatology and on the results of the imaging and histopathological examinations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Age, gender, clinical symptoms, preoperative ultrasound findings, and the results of the postoperative histopathological examination were retrospectively assessed in a total of 2,656 patients undergoing cholecystectomy in Department of General Surgery, Hitit University School of Medicine, Çorum, Turkey, between 2008 and 2013.

RESULTS

From a total of 2,656 patients undergoing cholecystectomy in our unit between 2008 and 2013, 96 subjects were found to have the following types of GP: 66.6% (n = 64) had cholesterol polyps, 13.54% (n = 13) had adenomyomatous polyps, 8.33% (n = 8) had adenocarcinoma, 7.2% (n = 7) had inflammatory polyps, and 4.16% (n = 4) had hyperplastic polyps. Also, 85.4% of these patients (n = 82) had a single polyp only, while 14.6% (n = 14) had 2 polyps. The polyp size in patients with adenocarcinoma was 9 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm in 2, 4 and 2 patients, respectively. The mean age of patients with adenocarcinoma was 60 years (55-74), all of whom had solitary polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients over 50 years of age with co-existent cholelithiasis and GP exceeding 10 mm, surgical treatment should be undertaken due to the risk of malignancy. Other patients with polyps less than 10 mm in size should be followed up in 6-month intervals using ultrasound examination.

High-resolution sonography for distinguishing neoplastic gallbladder polyps and staging gallbladder cancer

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to compare staging accuracy of high-resolution sonography (HRUS) with combined low- and high-MHz transducers with that of conventional sonography for gallbladder cancer and to investigate the differences in the imaging findings of neoplastic and nonneoplastic gallbladder polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Our study included 37 surgically proven gallbladder cancer (T1a = 7, T1b = 2, T2 = 22, T3 = 6), including 15 malignant neoplastic polyps and 73 surgically proven polyps (neoplastic = 31, nonneoplastic = 42) that underwent HRUS and conventional transabdominal sonography. Two radiologists assessed T-category and predefined polyp findings on HRUS and conventional transabdominal sonography. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and McNemar tests. RESULTS. The diagnostic accuracy for the T category was T1a = 92-95%, T1b = 89-95%, T2 = 78-86%, and T3 = 84-89%, all with good agreement (κ = 0.642) using HRUS. The diagnostic accuracy for differentiating T1 from T2 or greater than T2 was 92% and 89% on HRUS and 65% and 70% with conventional transabdominal sonography. Statistically common findings for neoplastic polyps included size greater than 1 cm, single lobular surface, vascular core, hypoechoic polyp, and hypoechoic foci (p < 0.05). The value of HRUS in the differential diagnosis of a gallbladder polyp was more clearly depicted internal echo foci than conventional transabdominal sonography (39 vs 21). A polyp size greater than 1 cm was independently associated with a neoplastic polyp (odds ratio = 7.5, p = 0.02). The AUC of a polyp size greater than 1 cm was 0.877. The sensitivity and specificity were 66.67% and 89.13%, respectively. CONCLUSION. HRUS is a simple method that enables accurate T categorization of gallbladder carcinoma. It provides high-resolution images of gallbladder polyps and may have a role in stratifying the risk for malignancy.

Gallbladder cancer: epidemiology and outcome

Gallbladder cancer, though generally considered rare, is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract, accounting for 80%-95% of biliary tract cancers. An early diagnosis is essential as this malignancy progresses silently with a late diagnosis, often proving fatal. Its carcinogenesis follows a progression through a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. This comprehensive review focuses on and explores the risks, management, and outcomes for primary gallbladder carcinoma. Epidemiological studies have identified striking geographic and ethnic disparities - inordinately high occurrence in American Indians, elevated in Southeast Asia, yet quite low elsewhere in the Americas and the world. Age, female sex, congenital biliary tract anomalies, and a genetic predisposition represent important risk factors that are immutable. Environmental triggers play a critical role in eliciting cancer developing in the gallbladder, best exemplified by cholelithiasis and chronic inflammation from biliary tract and parasitic infections. Mortality rates closely follow incidence; those countries with the highest prevalence of gallstones experience the greatest mortality from gallbladder cancer. Vague symptoms often delay the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, contributing to its overall progression and poor outcome. Surgery represents the only potential for cure. Some individuals are fortunate to be incidentally found to have gallbladder cancer at the time of cholecystectomy being performed for cholelithiasis. Such an early diagnosis is imperative as a late presentation connotes advanced staging, nodal involvement, and possible recurrence following attempted resection. Overall mean survival is a mere 6 months, while 5-year survival rate is only 5%. The dismal prognosis, in part, relates to the gallbladder lacking a serosal layer adjacent to the liver, enabling hepatic invasion and metastatic progression. Improved imaging modalities are helping to diagnose patients at an earlier stage. The last decade has witnessed improved outcomes as aggressive surgical management and preoperative adjuvant therapy has helped prolong survival in patients with gallbladder cancer. In the future, the development of potential diagnostic markers for disease will yield screening opportunities for those at risk either with ethnic susceptibility or known anatomic anomalies of the biliary tract. Meanwhile, clarification of the value of prophylactic cholecystectomy should provide an opportunity for secondary prevention. Primary prevention will arrive once the predictive biomarkers and environmental risk factors are more clearly identified.

Gallbladder cancer: epidemiology and outcome

Gallbladder cancer, though generally considered rare, is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract, accounting for 80%-95% of biliary tract cancers. An early diagnosis is essential as this malignancy progresses silently with a late diagnosis, often proving fatal. Its carcinogenesis follows a progression through a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. This comprehensive review focuses on and explores the risks, management, and outcomes for primary gallbladder carcinoma. Epidemiological studies have identified striking geographic and ethnic disparities - inordinately high occurrence in American Indians, elevated in Southeast Asia, yet quite low elsewhere in the Americas and the world. Age, female sex, congenital biliary tract anomalies, and a genetic predisposition represent important risk factors that are immutable. Environmental triggers play a critical role in eliciting cancer developing in the gallbladder, best exemplified by cholelithiasis and chronic inflammation from biliary tract and parasitic infections. Mortality rates closely follow incidence; those countries with the highest prevalence of gallstones experience the greatest mortality from gallbladder cancer. Vague symptoms often delay the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, contributing to its overall progression and poor outcome. Surgery represents the only potential for cure. Some individuals are fortunate to be incidentally found to have gallbladder cancer at the time of cholecystectomy being performed for cholelithiasis. Such an early diagnosis is imperative as a late presentation connotes advanced staging, nodal involvement, and possible recurrence following attempted resection. Overall mean survival is a mere 6 months, while 5-year survival rate is only 5%. The dismal prognosis, in part, relates to the gallbladder lacking a serosal layer adjacent to the liver, enabling hepatic invasion and metastatic progression. Improved imaging modalities are helping to diagnose patients at an earlier stage. The last decade has witnessed improved outcomes as aggressive surgical management and preoperative adjuvant therapy has helped prolong survival in patients with gallbladder cancer. In the future, the development of potential diagnostic markers for disease will yield screening opportunities for those at risk either with ethnic susceptibility or known anatomic anomalies of the biliary tract. Meanwhile, clarification of the value of prophylactic cholecystectomy should provide an opportunity for secondary prevention. Primary prevention will arrive once the predictive biomarkers and environmental risk factors are more clearly identified.

Gallbladder cancer: epidemiology and outcome

Gallbladder cancer, though generally considered rare, is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract, accounting for 80%–95% of biliary tract cancers. An early diagnosis is essential as this malignancy progresses silently with a late diagnosis, often proving fatal. Its carcinogenesis follows a progression through a metaplasia–dysplasia–carcinoma sequence. This comprehensive review focuses on and explores the risks, management, and outcomes for primary gallbladder carcinoma. Epidemiological studies have identified striking geographic and ethnic disparities – inordinately high occurrence in American Indians, elevated in Southeast Asia, yet quite low elsewhere in the Americas and the world. Age, female sex, congenital biliary tract anomalies, and a genetic predisposition represent important risk factors that are immutable. Environmental triggers play a critical role in eliciting cancer developing in the gallbladder, best exemplified by cholelithiasis and chronic inflammation from biliary tract and parasitic infections. Mortality rates closely follow incidence; those countries with the highest prevalence of gallstones experience the greatest mortality from gallbladder cancer. Vague symptoms often delay the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, contributing to its overall progression and poor outcome. Surgery represents the only potential for cure. Some individuals are fortunate to be incidentally found to have gallbladder cancer at the time of cholecystectomy being performed for cholelithiasis. Such an early diagnosis is imperative as a late presentation connotes advanced staging, nodal involvement, and possible recurrence following attempted resection. Overall mean survival is a mere 6 months, while 5-year survival rate is only 5%. The dismal prognosis, in part, relates to the gallbladder lacking a serosal layer adjacent to the liver, enabling hepatic invasion and metastatic progression. Improved imaging modalities are helping to diagnose patients at an earlier stage. The last decade has witnessed improved outcomes as aggressive surgical management and preoperative adjuvant therapy has helped prolong survival in patients with gallbladder cancer. In the future, the development of potential diagnostic markers for disease will yield screening opportunities for those at risk either with ethnic susceptibility or known anatomic anomalies of the biliary tract. Meanwhile, clarification of the value of prophylactic cholecystectomy should provide an opportunity for secondary prevention. Primary prevention will arrive once the predictive biomarkers and environmental risk factors are more clearly identified.

Renal cell carcinoma metastases to gallbladder

A 74-year old man underwent a radical cholecystectomy for presumed gallbladder cancer. The histology of the resected specimen in fact revealed the lesion to be metastatic renal cell carcinoma from his resected right nephrectomy performed 14 years previously.

Gallbladder polyp: A rare lesion in pediatric population

An 11-years-old girl with a polyp in the gallbladder is reported. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was curative.

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of true gallbladder polyps: the contradiction in the literature

Polypoid lesions of the gallbladder (PLGs) are often incidentally identified during ultrasonographic examination of abdominal pain. The present study was designed to determine the reliability of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of PLGs. The records of 853 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for PLGs in Gazi Medical School from January 2000 to January 2004 were reviewed. Data were collected regarding the patients' gender, age, symptoms, serum lipid levels, the size and the number of polyps on US, surgical indications for PLGs and histopathological diagnosis. In all, 56 of 853 patients had PLGs and underwent LC. Right upper quadrant pain (59%) was the most common presenting symptom that led to gallbladder US. Nearly 75% of the lesions were smaller than 10 mm. At histopathologic examination cholesterolosis was found in 17 of 56 (30%) patients, and 12 of 56 (21%) demonstrated only cholelithiasis; 17 (30%) patients had both cholesterolosis and stones. Only 10 (18%) patients had adenomatous polyp and 8 of these polyps were larger than 1 cm. Overall US-based diagnosis of gallbladder polyp was inaccurate in 82%. The sensitivity and specificity of US for polyps <1 cm was 20% and 95.1%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of US for polyps >1 cm was 80% and 99.3%, respectively. The accuracy of US in diagnosing PLGs was poor, especially in polyps <1 cm.