Cross-sectional imaging of acute and chronic gallbladder inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical and cross-sectional imaging features of a variety of acute and chronic gallbladder inflammatory diseases. CONCLUSION. Inflammatory gallbladder diseases are a common source of abdominal pain and cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Although acute uncomplicated cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis are frequently encountered, numerous other gallbladder inflammatory conditions may also occur that can be readily diagnosed by cross-sectional imaging.