Gallbladder wall cholesterolosis

Gallbladder wall cholesterolosis is a type of cholecystosis, therefore, results from the accumulation of cholesterol esters and triglycerides in the macrophages within the gallbladder wall (cf. adenomyomatosis, where cholesterol accumulation is intraluminal). It is a benign condition that may occur in two forms:

• localized
• diffuse: strawberry gallbladder

Although not clearly established if a form of localized cholesterolosis, cholesterol polyps represent a different spectrum of the same disease.

Epidemiology

Its prevalence may range around 4-8% and there may be a male predilection .

Clinical presentation

Usually clinically silent, with most patients being asymptomatic.

Pathology

It is characterized by mucosal villous hyperplasia with excessive accumulation of cholesterol esters within epithelial macrophages. Please refer to the article on strawberry gallbladder for further details in the diffuse form of the condition.

Treatment and prognosis

The natural history, in general, is benign.