A case of gallbladder perforation detected by sonography after a blunt abdominal trauma

J Clin Ultrasound. 2014 Jun;42(5):301-4. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22111. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

Abstract

Gallbladder (GB) perforation is a very rare posttraumatic abdominal injury. It is potentially life-threatening, and good outcome requires early diagnosis. We present a case of isolated posttraumatic GB perforation in which the precise sonographic (US) diagnosis led us to apply proper management. Color Doppler US showed a clear to-and-fro flow signal passing through the perforation site, and contrast-enhanced US confirmed the presence of a small defect in the GB wall. When examining posttraumatic patients, the possibility of GB perforation must be kept in mind. Color Doppler US and contrast-enhanced US are the examinations of choice to detect the perforation site and show bile movement through the perforation.

Keywords: Doppler; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; gallbladder; perforation; trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Contrast Media*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Gallbladder / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gallbladder / injuries*
  • Gallbladder / surgery
  • Gallbladder Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gallbladder Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Iron
  • Oxides
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / methods
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Sonazoid
  • Iron