Differential Diagnosis for Distended Gallbladder with Thin Walls

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Mucocele of the gallbladder: This condition is characterized by the distension of the gallbladder due to the accumulation of mucus, often as a result of a blocked cystic duct. The gallbladder walls are typically thin, and the condition can be asymptomatic or present with abdominal pain.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Chronic cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can lead to distension and thinning of the walls over time. This condition often results from gallstones but can also be caused by other factors such as infection.
  • Gallbladder hydrops: This condition involves the non-inflammatory distension of the gallbladder, often due to a blockage of the cystic duct. The walls of the gallbladder remain thin, and the condition can be asymptomatic or cause abdominal pain.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Gallbladder cancer: Although less common, cancer of the gallbladder can present with a distended gallbladder and thin walls. Early detection is crucial for treatment, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.
  • Mirizzi syndrome: This rare condition involves the obstruction of the common bile duct due to a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct, which can lead to jaundice and potentially life-threatening complications if not recognized and treated promptly.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Porcelain gallbladder: A condition where the gallbladder wall becomes calcified, which can sometimes present with distension. However, the walls are typically thickened due to calcification, making this a less likely cause of a distended gallbladder with thin walls.
  • Choledochal cysts: These are congenital anomalies of the bile duct that can cause cystic dilatation and potentially affect the gallbladder, though they are rare and more commonly diagnosed in childhood.