The ultrasound diagnosis of emphysematous cholecystitis

Emphysematous cholecystitis is an uncommon illness which may be mimicked by acute cholecystitis but which carries a more serious prognosis. The pre-operative diagnosis is usually difficult to make but may be suggested by a plain abdominal radiograph. The ultrasound appearances are characteristic and are illustrated by two representative cases. Comparison is made with other causes of gall-bladder wall abnormality.