The value of sonographic gallbladder wall patterns in differentiating malignant from benigh ascites

Abstract

This investigation evaluates whether the appearance and thickness of the gallbladder (GB) wall can be clinically useful to determine the etiology of ascites by ultrasonography. Another purpose of this study is to verify the existence of statistically significant relationship between GB wall patterns and serum albumin level.Findings on ultrasonogram were reviewed retrospectively in 90 patients with ascites. The statistical analysis 이 the r esults reveals no correlation between hypoalbuminemia and GB wall patterns (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in GB wall patterns between benign (group 1 and 2) and malignant (group 3 and 4) conditions (P>O.05).The carcinoma. with the exception of hepatocellular t he gallbladder wall was significantly thicker in the cirrhosis brougs than in the malignant group. Twenty-seven patients(87%) in group 1 had thickened GB walls. whereas 16 patients(76%) in group 3 showed normal single la yered GB walls. This difference was statistically sign 띠 cant(P >O .05) However no statistically significant difference was found between liver cirrhosis (group 1) and liver cirrhosis associated with h e patocellular carcinoma (group 4) (P>0.05). Also. With the except of hepatocellular carcinom a (group 3) there also was no significant difference found be tween benign noncirrhotic pathology(group 2) and malignancy These results suggests that there is a distinct sonographic appearance of th e GB wall according to different ascitis etiologies. This can pathology be seen when comparing patients with li ver carrhosis and maligancy other than hepatocelluar carcinoma.However sonographic findings of the GB wall patterns in asc ites lacks diagnostic value in differentiating benign from malignant disease causing ascites.