A Study of the Imaging Findings of Gallbladder Torsion Based Mainly on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Six Cases

Abstract

To clarify the imaging findings of gallbladder torsion, a retrospective review of the gallbladder torsion cases at our hospital was performed. The study included six patients over the five years from January 2017 to December 2022. All patients were female (median age, 88.5 [range, 75-91] years). The median period from onset to admission was 3.5 (range, 0-10) days. Computed tomography showed deviation of the gallbladder base in 5 patients and a high-density area in the neck of the gallbladder in 2 patients. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed V-shaped distortion of the extrahepatic bile ducts caused by cystic duct traction of the distorted gallbladder in 5 patients. It was thought that the cystic duct was twisted and the common bile duct was pulled at one point. The median period from admission to treatment was 0 (range, 0-2) days. Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 5 patients, and percutaneous trans gallbladder drainage was done in the other. MRCP of gallbladder torsion has characteristic findings, which may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.