A porcelain gallbladder and a rapid tumor dissemination

CT Imaging Findings of Porcelain Gallbladder and Epiploic Appendagitis: Two Rare Abdominal Pathologies in an Asymptomatic Patient

Porcelain gallbladder (PG) and epiploic appendagitis (EA) are rare imaging findings in an asymptomatic patient. The clinical presentation of PG and EA can vary; however, a common presenting complaint is abdominal discomfort. We describe the case of a 54-year-old male with computerized tomography findings consistent with PG and EA. We also performed a review of the literature to understand the etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis and treatment options of both PG and EA.

Management of Porcelain Gallbladder, Its Risk Factors, and Complications: A Review

The porcelain gallbladder condition describes gallbladder calcification. While gallbladder calcification is believed to increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer, recent reports have shown that the malignancy risk is much lower than previously reported. Symptomatic patients with porcelain gallbladder should be recommended for cholecystectomy, but the management of asymptomatic patients is debatable. Based on recent evidence, prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended in all patients with porcelain gallbladder. From the assessment of the current literature, there are three essential factors in the management of patients with porcelain gallbladder: (1) symptoms or complications of gallbladder disease, (2) calcification pattern and (3) patient age and comorbidities. Patients who do not undergo cholecystectomy should be educated about the symptoms of gallbladder diseases, and a thorough discussion is essential between patients and clinicians.

Cholecystoduodenal fistula caused by aggressive mucinous gallbladder carcinoma with a porcelain gallbladder

Cholecystoduodenal fistula secondary to gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is extremely rare and develops when the tumor penetrates into the adjacent duodenum. A porcelain gallbladder is also a very rare entity that involves the calcification of the gallbladder wall and can be associated with the development of GBC. Herein, we report an unusual case of a patient with cholecystoduodenal fistula, which has been caused by aggressive mucinous gallbladder carcinoma with a porcelain gallbladder. A 68-year-old man was referred to our department due to significant accumulation near the neck of the gallbladder detected by FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), which was performed as a check-up of postpneumonectomy for lung cancer. Abdominal contrast CT and magnetic resonance imaging revealed porcelain-like circumferential calcification of the gallbladder wall and a mass in the region detected by FDG PET/CT. Furthermore, upper endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor with apical ulceration in the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb. Histopathological examination of its biopsy specimen rendered a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with either gallbladder cancer or duodenal cancer, and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and radical cholecystectomy with gallbladder bed resection were performed. The resected gallbladder revealed a porcelain gallbladder, which formed the cholecystoduodenal fistula. These specimens were histopathologically diagnosed as mucinous adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder with an abundant mucin production.

Porcelain Gallbladder: Decoding the malignant truth

Gallbladder calcification, also referred to as porcelain gallbladder, has received significant attention in the medical literature due to its perceived role in increasing the risk of developing a gallbladder carcinoma. However, recent reports raise questions challenging this purported high risk. While previous studies reported a concomitant incidence of gallbladder cancer in porcelain gallbladder ranging from 7-60%, more recent analyses indicate the incidence to be much lower (6%). Based on evidence in the current literature, a prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended for all patients with porcelain gallbladder and should be restricted to those with conventional indications, such as young patients. However, it is important to note that a nonoperative approach may require prolonged follow-up. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a feasible therapeutic option for patients with porcelain gallbladder, although some researchers have indicated a higher incidence of complications and conversion due to technical difficulties.