Carcinoma of the gallbladder associated with clonorchiasis: clinicopathologic and CT evaluation

Abstract

Background: The computed tomographic (CT) features of three cases with pathologically proven adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder associated with clonorchiasis.

Methods: CT scans of three cases with pathologically proven adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder associated with clonorchiasis were retrospectively reviewed. Scans were analyzed for the following parameters: (a) gross morphologic pattern (intralumenal mass lesion, mass replacing the gallbladder, focal or diffuse wall thickening); (b) contrast enhancement of the tumors; (c) associated gallstones or Chlonorchis sinensis worms; (d) direct invasion into the liver; (e) metastasis to adjacent viscera (pancreas, duodenum); (f) the extrahepatic bile duct (dilatation, metastasis, stone, C. sinensis worms); (g) the intrahepatic bile duct (dilatation); and (h) lymphadenopathy and metastasis.

Results: The gross morphologic pattern of three cases with carcinoma of the gallbladder was an intralumenal mass lesion (the least common type), whereas the patterns of infiltration and a mass replacing the gallbladder were not identified. Mild contrast enhancement of the tumors relative to the liver was demonstrated in all patients. Gallstones and C. sinensis worms were not visualized in the gallbladder and the extrahepatic bile duct. An unusual metastasis to the distal common bile duct and the pancreas was found in this series.

Conclusion: Three cases with adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder associated with clonorchiasis showed intralumenal mass lesions within the gallbladder lumen. The cause-and-effect relation between clonorchiasis and gallbladder carcinoma is discussed.