Gallbladder abnormalities in acute infectious hepatitis

Abstract
We have studied the gallbladder and its contents by ultrasonography in 31 patients with acute viral hepatitis and 23 age-matched controls. Liver cell necrosis was assessed by raised transaminase levels within 24–48 hr of ultrasonography in all patients. Gallbladder wall (GBW) measured 5.16±0.4 mm (mean±sem) in patients and 2.0±0.06 mm in controls (P3 mm) in 21 patients (68%), with double wall appearance in 5 (16%), and sludge was seen in the gallbladder cavity in 7 (23%). GBW thickness was significantly related to serum albumin (r=−0.45,Pr=0.50,PP<0.001).