Porcelain Gallbladder

Porcelain gallbladder is a condition characterized by calcium salt deposits in the wall of a chronically inflamed gallbladder. The calcifications can be thin or faintly visible, or may be amorphous, patchy, and thick. The gallbladder is generally large, but its size can vary considerably. Most porcelain gallbladders are associated with gallstones. A plain radiograph generally detects these, but computed tomography (CT) has a higher specificity; therefore, a CT scan is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Due to their high risk of gallbladder carcinoma, all patients with porcelain gallbladder should have an elective cholecystectomy.