Incidental findings of gallbladder and bile ducts – Management strategies: Normal findings, anomalies, “silent gallstones” and bile duct dilatation - A World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) position paper

Abstract

The World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) has started a series of position papers highlighting the role of ultrasound techniques for diagnosis, risk assessment and follow-up of incidental imaging findings. Gallbladder and biliary tree are among the most frequent anatomical localizations of incidental findings. A first part of the position paper on incidental findings of gallbladder and bile ducts was related to gallbladder polyps and other incidental findings of the gallbladder wall. Based on a description of normal findings, this second part addresses congenital anomalies and variations of the gallbladder and the biliary tree, asymptomatic bile duct dilatation and “silent” gallstones. Based on evidence on prevalence and outcome and with a special focus on ultrasound techniques, the position paper makes recommendations regarding diagnostic work-up, follow-up and treatment of these incidental findings.

Keywords

• Incidental findings
• Bile duct
• Gall bladder
• Cancer
• Anomalies
• Gallstones