Cross-sectional Imaging of Gallbladder Carcinoma: An Update

Gallbladder Carcinoma (GBCA) is the most common biliary tract malignancy. As the disease is often diagnosed clinically in an advanced stage, the survival rates are dismal. Imaging studies allow for an early diagnosis of malignancy, though the findings may be indistinguishable from non-malignant disease processes affecting the gallbladder. Attempts have been made to make a specific diagnosis of GBCA at an early stage on imaging studies. Ultrasonography (US) is the most commonly employed technique for gallbladder evaluation. Gallbladder wall thickening is the most common finding of early GBCA and in this context, US is non-specific. Recently, contrast enhanced ultrasound has been shown to be effective in differentiating benign from malignant disease. Multi-detector computed tomography represents the most robust imaging technique in evaluation of GBCA. It provides relatively sensitive evaluation of mural thickening, though it is not entirely specific and issues in differentiating GBCA from xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis do arise. Due to its superior soft tissue resolution, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides excellent delineation of gallbladder and biliary tree involvement. When coupled with functional MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging, it provides a useful problem solving tool for interrogating the malignant potential of nonspecific gallbladder lesions and detection of metastases. Positron emission tomography has a role in detection of distant metastases and following patients following treatment for malignancy. We review the current role of various imaging modalities in evaluating patients with GBCA.