Acalculous cholecystitis is a serious condition in which the gallbladder becomes inflamed even though no gallstones are present. It most commonly occurs in patients who are already very sick, such as those in intensive care units, recovering from major surgery, or suffering from severe burns or trauma. On ultrasound, the gallbladder may appear distended with thickened walls and surrounding fluid, but without the stones typically associated with cholecystitis. This condition requires prompt diagnosis because it can progress rapidly to gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder.
Sonography Term