Gallbladder and Biliary Tract

Abstract

Ultrasound is the ideal imaging technique for evaluation of the gallbladder and biliary tree given its excellent spatial resolution and inherently high contrast between the fluid-filled gallbladder and bile ducts compared to the adjacent soft tissues. Ultrasound evaluation is performed for the investigation of congenital anomalies, cholelithiasis, biliary tract obstruction, and tumors. An overview of normal development and anatomy of the gallbladder and biliary tree is provided, and the ultrasound imaging findings of a broad spectrum of abnormalities are discussed, along with pertinent clinical features of each entity and treatment approach.