Strawberry gallbladder

Last revised by Jeremy Jones on 20 Sep 2021

Strawberry gallbladder refers to the surface appearance (not shape) of the mucosa of the gallbladder due to multiple small collections of triglycerides and cholesterol esters within the lamina propria of the gallbladder wall (gallbladder wall cholesterolosis). 

Strawberry gallbladder represents diffuse cholesterolosis and is a common, idiopathic, non-neoplastic condition.

There is deposition of cholesterol esters within the lamina propria of the gallbladder wall. It may occur in two forms:

  • diffuse
  • localized
  • brightly hyperechoic foci within the gallbladder wall
  • no posterior acoustic shadowing
  • when cholesterolosis is focal, it forms multiple small cholesterol polyps, which may show comet tail artifact

On ultrasound consider:

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