American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test 2025 - Free Pathology Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The WES sign, which stands for "Water's Edge Sign," is indicative of chronic cholecystitis and is seen in imaging studies such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT). It is characterized by the appearance of a gallbladder that is filled with fluid or sludge, which combines with the echogenic (bright) gallbladder wall to create a characteristic silhouette. This sign suggests chronic inflammation of the gallbladder due to longstanding irritation, often from gallstones.

Chronic cholecystitis typically results from repeated episodes of acute inflammation and can lead to changes in the gallbladder structure and function. The WES sign is particularly useful in differentiating chronic cholecystitis from other gallbladder conditions, such as acute cholecystitis or gallbladder carcinoma.

Other signs, such as gallbladder sludge, while associated with gallbladder diseases, are not specific to chronic cholecystitis alone and can be seen in various other conditions. The reversed halo sign is more associated with other pulmonary conditions, and the double-barreled shotgun sign is related to conditions affecting the intestinal tract rather than the gallbladder. Thus, the WES sign stands out as a key radiological