Isolated gallbladder injury in a case of blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

The diagnosis of blunt injury to the gallbladder may constitute a significant challenge to the diagnostician. There is often a delay in presentation with non-specific clinical symptoms. In the absence of reliable clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging becomes an invaluable tool in the rapid identification of gallbladder injury. We present a case of isolated gallbladder injury following blunt abdominal trauma which was diagnosed by computed tomography and subsequently confirmed by cholecystectomy.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Gallbladder; Trauma.

Figure 1

Contrast enhanced axial CT of the abdomen in a 48 year old male with isolated trauma to the gallbladder. There is a hydropic gallbladder with hyperdense fluid (arrow) (a) and extravasated contrast within the lumen (arrow) as well as simple appearing free fluid adjacent to the gallbladder (curved arrow) (b) consistent with traumatic gallbladder injury. (Protocol: 288mAs 120kV 3.75mm slice thickness 125ml Optiray 350)

Figure 2

Contrast enhanced axial CT of the abdomen in a 48 year old male with isolated trauma to the gallbladder. There is dilatation of gallbladder neck as well marked dilatation of the cystic duct, also filled with hyperdense fluid (arrow) also suggestive of gallbladder injury (Protocol: 288mAs 120kV 3.75mm slice thickness 125ml Optiray 350)

Figure 3

Contrast enhanced axial CT of the abdomen in a 48 year old male with isolated trauma to the gallbladder. The only additional injury, a non-displaced fracture of the right 9th rib (arrow). (Protocol: 288mAs 120kV 3.75mm slice thickness 125ml Optiray 350)