Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Morgan M, Walizai T, Molinari A, et al. Gallbladder hydrops. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 27 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-35239
Gallbladder hydrops or mucocele 5 refers to marked dilatation of the gallbladder due to chronic obstruction of the cystic duct resulting in accumulation of sterile non-pigmented mucin.
Abdominal pain with palpable gallbladder without any signs of infection. In an asymptomatic patient, it likely is related to fasting.
Chronic obstruction of the cystic duct results in accumulation of the sterile non-pigmented mucin in a distended gallbladder which sometimes can reach the pelvis. Causes include:
>4 cm transverse measurement
>9 cm longitudinal measurement
straight or convex borders
Treatment and prognosis
If seen on CT without an explanation, it is followed up with ultrasound if the patient has biliary colic symptoms.
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