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In abdominal ultrasound, biliary sludge refers to a viscous mixture of particulate matter, primarily cholesterol crystals and calcium bilirubinate granules, suspended in bile. Often appearing as a mobile, non-shadowing layer within the gallbladder, it indicates impaired gallbladder motility or bile stasis. While sometimes asymptomatic, sludge can lead to biliary colic, cholecystitis, or pancreatitis, making its…

A liver abscess is a pus-filled lesion within the liver, typically resulting from bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections. In abdominal ultrasound, it appears as a hypoechoic or anechoic mass with irregular borders, often exhibiting internal debris or gas. Early detection via medical ultrasound is crucial for guiding drainage and antibiotic therapy to prevent complications. Ultrasound…

The Sonographic Murphy’s sign is a key diagnostic finding in abdominal ultrasound, specifically indicating acute cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation. It is elicited when localized pain is reported by the patient upon direct pressure from the ultrasound probe over the visualized gallbladder. This sign helps differentiate acute cholecystitis from other causes of right upper quadrant pain.…

Gallbladder wall thickening, in abdominal ultrasound, indicates an abnormal increase in the thickness of the gallbladder wall, a key diagnostic finding in various medical conditions. This thickening can be a significant sign of inflammation, such as acute cholecystitis, where the gallbladder becomes acutely inflamed due to gallstones obstructing the cystic duct. Understanding this sonographic sign…

Pericholecystic fluid, in abdominal ultrasound, refers to an abnormal collection of fluid surrounding the gallbladder. Its presence is a key indicator of gallbladder inflammation, commonly seen in acute cholecystitis, a condition causing severe abdominal pain. Sonographers meticulously assess this fluid for its location, amount, and characteristics to aid in accurate diagnosis. This fluid accumulation is…

Acute cholecystitis is the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct. This common abdominal emergency manifests with severe right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool, revealing gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, and a sonographic Murphy's sign, crucial for confirming the diagnosis and guiding…

Chronic cholecystitis is persistent inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by repeated gallstone attacks leading to thickening of the gallbladder wall and scarring. In abdominal ultrasound, this condition typically manifests as a contracted gallbladder with a thickened, often irregular wall, and frequently the presence of gallstones or sludge. Patients may experience recurrent right upper quadrant…

Choledocholithiasis, a common abdominal condition, refers to the presence of gallstones within the common bile duct. These stones can originate in the gallbladder and migrate, or form directly in the duct, leading to bile flow obstruction, inflammation, and potential complications like cholangitis or pancreatitis. Ultrasound is a primary diagnostic tool, often revealing dilated bile ducts…

Biliary dilation, a key finding in abdominal ultrasound, refers to the abnormal widening of the bile ducts. This condition often indicates an obstruction to bile flow, which can be caused by gallstones, tumors, strictures, or inflammation. Ultrasound is a primary imaging modality for detecting biliary dilation, allowing clinicians to visualize the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile…