Porcelain gallbladder refers to which histologic finding?

Porcelain gallbladder refers to which histologic finding?

• A. Wall calcification with no caloric significance
• B. Wall thickening without calcification
• C. Calcification of the gallbladder wall; increased risk of gallbladder carcinoma
• D. Wall perforation

Answer: (C)

Porcelain gallbladder is defined by calcification of the gallbladder wall due to chronic inflammation, leading to a chalky, brittle wall that has a porcelain-like appearance. This mural calcification is the histologic hallmark, resulting from dystrophic calcification in long-standing cholecystitis. Importantly, this finding has been associated with an increased risk of gallbladder carcinoma, which is why identifying wall calcification carries clinical significance and often prompts cholecystectomy. It is not simply wall thickening without calcification, nor perforation, and the significance comes from the calcified wall rather than any caloric implications.

Porcelain gallbladder is defined by calcification of the gallbladder wall due to chronic inflammation, leading to a chalky, brittle wall that has a porcelain-like appearance. This mural calcification is the histologic hallmark, resulting from dystrophic calcification in long-standing cholecystitis. Importantly, this finding has been associated with an increased risk of gallbladder carcinoma, which is why identifying wall calcification carries clinical significance and often prompts cholecystectomy. It is not simply wall thickening without calcification, nor perforation, and the significance comes from the calcified wall rather than any caloric implications.