Gallbladder polyps: ultrasound diagnosis, updated guidelines, and clinical management.

Abstract

Ultrasound is a relevant tool in the diagnosis and characterization of gallbladder polyps. B-mode imaging can be used for the identification of echogenic formations attached to the gallbladder wall, while advanced techniques such as color Doppler, power Doppler, and micro-flow allow a thorough assessment of polyp vascularization. The integration of CEUS further improves diagnostic accuracy by confirming the integrity of the wall and the absence of pathological washout, which is characteristic of malignant lesions. In recent years, several guidelines have been published on the integrated clinical and ultrasound management of polypoid formations of the gallbladder. This review aims to summarize the main evidence regarding the ultrasound study of gallbladder polyps and to provide the sonographer with a clear and practical approach to the clinical management and follow-up of these patients.