Abstract
We compared the ultrasound (US) findings of gallbladder (GB) perforation with computed tomography (CT) in 13 patients with GB perforation confirmed at surgery. The common findings of GB perforation were pericholecystic fluid collection and layering of GB wall on US, pericholecystic fluid collection, streaky omentum or mesentery, and GB wall defect on CT. Pericholecystic fluid collection, layering of GB wall, and cholelithiasis were similarly detected on US or CT. GB wall defect and/or bulging of the GB wall suggested a site of perforation was revealed in five patients (38.5%) on US and nine (69.2%) on CT. CT further disclosed the findings of streaky omentum or mesentery (84.6%). CT was superior to US for diagnosis of GB perforation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Isch J, Finneran JC, Nahrwold DL. Perforation of the gallbladder. Am J Gastroenterol 1971;55:451–458
MacDonald JA. Perforation of the gallbladder associated with acute cholecystitis. Ann Surg 1966;164:849–852
Diffenbaugh WG, Sarver FE, Strohl EL. Gangrenous perforation of the gallbladder. Arch Surg 1949;59:743–749
Fletcher AG, Ravdin IS. Perforation of the gallbladder. Am J Surg 1951;81:178–185
Wallace RH, Allen AW. Acute cholecystitis. Arch Surg 1941;43:762–772
Strohl EL, Diffenbaugh WG, Baker JH, Chemma MH. Collective review: gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder. Int Abst Surg 1962;114:1–7
Madrazo BL, Francis I, Hricak H, Sandler MA, Hudak S, Gitschlag K. Sonographic findings in perforation of the gallbladder. AJR 1982;139:491–496
Houston JP, Sampson MA, Collins MC. Ultrasound diagnosis of gallbladder perforation in a case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Br J Radiol 1989;62:273–274
Jeffrey Jr RB, Federle MP, Laing FC, Wing VW. Computed tomography of blunt trauma to the gallbladder. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1986;10:756–758
Mihas AA, Lewis G, Athar M, Shueke M. Gallbladder perforation: preoperative diagnosis by combined imaging techniques. Gastrointest Radiol 1992;17:24–26
Smith R, Rosen JM, Alderson PO. Gallbladder perforation: diagnostic utility of cholescintigraphy in suggested subacute or chronic cases. Radiology 1986;158:63–66
Handler SJ. Ultrasound of the gallbladder wall thickening and its relation to cholecystitis. AJR 1979;132:581–585
Finberg HJ, Birholz JC. Ultrasound evaluation of the gallbladder wall. Radiology 1979;133:693–698
Taylor KJW, Rosenfield AT, DeGraaff CS. Anatomy and pathology of the biliary tree as demonstrated by ultrasound. In: Taylor KJW, ed. Diagnostic ultrasound in gastrointestinal disease. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1979:103–121
Chau WK, Na AT, Feng TT, Li YB. Ultrasound diagnosis of perforation of the gallbladder: real time application and the demonstration of a new sonographic sign. J Clin Ultrasound 1988;16:358–360
Teefey SA, Wechter DG. Sonographic evaluation of pericholecystic abscess with intrahepatic extension. J Ultrasound Med 1987;6:659–662
Aronoff A, Johnson LG. Gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder during cortisone therapy. Can Med Assoc J 1958;79:268–271
Massie JR Jr, Coxe JW III, Parker C, Dietrick R. Gallbladder perforation in acute cholecystitis. Ann Surg 1957;145:825–831
Glenn F, Moore SW. Gangrene and perforation of the wall of the gallbladder. Arch Surg 1942;44:677–686
Chen JJ, Lin HH, Chiu CT, Lin DY. Gallbladder perforation with intrahepatic abscess formation. J Clin Ultrasound 1990;18:43–45
Niemeier OW. Acute free perforation of the gallbladder. Ann Surg 1943;99:922–924
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kim, P.N., Lee, K.S., Kim, I.Y. et al. Gallbladder perforation: Comparison of US findings with CT. Abdom Imaging 19, 239–242 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203516
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203516