structures

Last reviewed 01/2018

Three main structures may be seen in cholecystitis glandularis proliferans:

  • polyps - these are fleshy and granulomatous. All layers of the gallbladder wall may be thickened but sometimes, an incomplete septum separates hyperplastic and normal cells. Intraparietal 'mixed' calculi may be present. These may be complicated by an intramural, and later, an extramural abscess.
  • diverticulae - these often contain black pigment stones. They are demonstrated on a cholecystogram by the appearance of small dots of contrast medium outside the gallbladder, especially following a fatty meal.
  • fistulae to the duodenum