Normal Anatomy on Ultrasound
REVIEW: pages 54-65 Biliary RUQ POCUS Exam
Sonographic Signs of Cholecystitis
· Positive sonographic Murphy’s sign: pain while visualizing compression of the gallbladder.
· Gallstones: hyperechoic structures within the gallbladder lumen (posterior shadowing)
· Gallbladder wall thickening: Normal thickness is <3mm, thickness >5mm is abnormal, thickness 3-5mm may be abnormal
· Pericholecystic Fluid: hypoechoic stripe between liver and gallbladder
· Common Bile Duct (CBD) Dilation: CBD diameter: Normal is <7mm & >10mm is usually pathologic
Obstruction is the most common cause of CBD dilation: impacted stone, obstructing masses, or stricture.
