CT Diagnosis of Isolated Intramural Dissection of the Gallbladder Wall Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

The gallbladder is rarely injured in blunt abdominal trauma due to its small size and anatomical protection by the surrounded liver, omentum and ribcage. Blunt gallbladder injuries are usually associated with damage of adjacent abdominal organs. Isolated gallbladder injury is an even more infrequent occurance. The diagnosis may be difficult and often delayed due to variable and non-specific clinical signs and symptoms, potentially increasing in the morbidity and mortality associated with traumatic gallbladder injuries. Prompt diagnosis is thus essential but represents a challenge. Of all imaging modalities, Computed Tomography (CT) is the most effective diagnostic tool for early identification of traumatic gallbladder injuries facilitating surgical planning and management. We present the first case of isolated intramural dissection of the gallbladder wall secondary to blunt abdominal trauma which was diagnosed by CT and subsequently confirmed by cholecystectomy.