Computed tomography in acute cholecystitis: new observations.

The computed tomographic CT findings in five patients with acute cholecystitis were analyzed. Common findings included thickening and nodularity of the gallbladder wall, cholelithiasis, and dilatation of the gallbladder lumen. Other more specific findings included poor definition of the gallbladder wall, pericholecystic fluid collections, and gas collections within the gallbladder wall. Most of the CT findings are suggestive but not pathognomonic, and correlation with the clinical, scintigraphic, and sonographic findings is necessary.