Septated gallbladder: a rare congenital anomaly and its clinical implications

A septated gallbladder (SG) is a rare anatomical variant characterized by the presence of one or more fibrous or muscular septa dividing the lumen into multiple chambers. While an acquired form of septation has been discussed, most reported cases are treated as congenital variants. This study presents a case of SG identified during clinical evaluation and discusses its clinical significance. The patient is a 64-year-old woman with a history of right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain that radiates to the right scapula. She reports pain beginning 10 years ago as intermittent episodes but has progressed over the past two months. Upon review of prior imaging studies, a SG was identified, and the patient was scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The presence of septa was confirmed intraoperatively. Following the procedure, her symptoms resolved completely. Awareness of SG is essential for clinicians and radiologists to prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management. While incidental, symptomatic cases benefit from surgical intervention.