Keywords:
Abdomen, Oncology, Ultrasound, Sampling, Cirrhosis, Metastases, Neoplasia
Authors:
W. Y. T. Wong, M. Y. Cheung, V. Engelbrecht, S. Lim
DOI:
10.26044/ranzcr2022/R-0070
Conclusion
This study suggests that there is a strong association between gallbladder wall thickness and aetiology of ascites. We hypothesis that chronic kidney and liver disease have resulted in fluid third spacing and leading to gallbladder wall oedema. In contrast, malignant ascites more likely results from peritoneal metastasis. Routine measurement of gallbladder wall thickness during paracentesis is a useful tool in predicting the aetiology of ascites. Normal gallbladder wall thickness with ascites is a strong predictor factor of an underlying malignancy. Despite a negative cytology result in the case of a normal gallbladder wall thickness, further investigation for underlying malignancy should be considered.