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

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What is the common feature of a porcelain gallbladder as seen on imaging?

Presence of gallstones

Calcification of the gallbladder wall

The defining characteristic of a porcelain gallbladder, as observed through imaging, is the calcification of the gallbladder wall. This condition results from chronic cholecystitis, where the chronic inflammation leads to deposition of calcium salts in the wall, manifesting as a highly reflective outline on imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans.

The presence of gallstones, thickening of the gallbladder wall, and absence of bile may be associated conditions observed alongside or in different contexts, but they do not specifically define a porcelain gallbladder. Porcelain gallbladder is particularly significant because it often indicates a higher risk for gallbladder cancer, which is why recognizing the calcification is crucial in clinical practice.

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Thickening of the gallbladder wall

Absence of bile

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