Ultrasound evaluation of the gallbladder wall.

In a series of 526 consecutive, unprepared patients examined by ultrasound, the gallbladder was visualized in 507 (96%). The average wall thickness was 2 mm or less in 97% of asymptomatic subjects without cholelithiasis and 3 mm or greater in 45% of those with choletithiasis. Pathologic correlation of increased thickness and chronic cholecystitis was made in a subgroup of 47 surgical patients. Local tenderness and mucosal thickening were found in 8 patients with acute cholecystitis. Use of electronic sector scanning is emphasized.