Learning objectives
To describe and illustrate the most useful radiographic signs for the diagnosis of gallbladder perforation in cases of acute abdomen.
Background
Acute abdominal pain is a common chief complaint in patients examined in the emergency department.
A large number of disorders can cause it.
Clinical assessment of acute abdomen is often difficult because there are non-specific findings at the physical examination.
Imaging plays an important role in the treatment management of these patients.
One of the causes of acute abdominal pain is the gallbladder perforation.
Although an uncommon complication,
it is essential to consider this possibility because it is associated with a high mortality rate,
oftendue...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
We review and illustrate the most specific CT imaging findings that suggest a gallbladder perforation.
These findings are: gallbladder wall disruption or gallbladder lumen collapse,
local fluid collection surrounding the gallbladder wall,
fat stranding,
an extraluminal gallstone…
Gallbladder wall disruption
•Small areas of gallbladder perforation may be difficult to detect on imaging
•Focal defect or irregularity of the gallbladder walls can be found
•The fundus is the most common site of perforation
Extraluminal gallstone: specific imaging finding that indicates perforation
Gallbladder wall collapse
Distension of...
Conclusion
The aim is to provide a general review of CT manifestations that suggest a gallbladder perforation,
an often forgotten cause of acute abdominal pain.
Accurate reporting of these findings is important because early diagnosis and cholecystectomy are the gold standard for managing gallbladder rupture to avoid unsuccessful outcomes Fig. 13
Personal Information
E.Canales Lachén; A.
Verón Sánchez; A.
Díez Tascón; D.
Mollinedo; C.
Rubio Hervás; O.
Suárez Traba; M.
Martí de Gracia
Department ofRadiology
Hospital Universitario La Paz
Madrid - SPAIN
Address correspondence to E.C.L.
(e-mail:
[email protected])
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