ADENOMYOMATOSIS OF THE GALLBLADDER: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis is a benign condition characterized by thickening of the gallbladder wall and the formation of Rokitansky–Aschoff sinuses, which may mimic malignant neoplasms. We report the case of a 47-year-old male patient presenting with right upper quadrant pain, nausea after fatty meals, and weight loss. Ultrasonography revealed diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall associated with a comet-tail artifact, a finding suggestive of a benign gallbladder wall abnormality and compatible with adenomyomatosis in the context of the diagnostic investigation. Due to persistent symptoms and suspicion of malignancy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, gallbladder wall thickening, nodular lesions, and lymphadenopathy were observed, further raising suspicion of gallbladder cancer. However, histopathological examination demonstrated chronic cholecystitis associated with adenomyomatosis, with dilated Rokitansky–Aschoff sinuses and no evidence of malignancy. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by this condition and emphasizes the importance of correlating clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings to establish a definitive diagnosis.