Which histologic feature is typical of chronic cholecystitis besides Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses?

Which histologic feature is typical of chronic cholecystitis besides Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses?

• A. Acute neutrophilic infiltration
• B. Thickened gallbladder wall with chronic inflammatory infiltrate
• C. Malignant transformation
• D. Cystic dilation of ducts

Answer: (B)

Chronic cholecystitis is driven by long-standing inflammation that leads to scarring and a fibrotic, thickened gallbladder wall. The key histologic appearance is a thickened wall with a persistent chronic inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphocytes and plasma cells, in the mucosa and submucosa, often accompanied by fibrosis. Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses are mucosal outpouchings that can be present in chronic cholecystitis, but the defining feature you’d expect alongside them is the overall wall thickening with a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Acute neutrophilic infiltration points to an acute process, not chronic. Malignant transformation and cystic dilation of ducts are not typical histologic features of chronic cholecystitis itself.

Chronic cholecystitis is driven by long-standing inflammation that leads to scarring and a fibrotic, thickened gallbladder wall. The key histologic appearance is a thickened wall with a persistent chronic inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphocytes and plasma cells, in the mucosa and submucosa, often accompanied by fibrosis. Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses are mucosal outpouchings that can be present in chronic cholecystitis, but the defining feature you’d expect alongside them is the overall wall thickening with a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Acute neutrophilic infiltration points to an acute process, not chronic. Malignant transformation and cystic dilation of ducts are not typical histologic features of chronic cholecystitis itself.