The finding of gallbladder wall edema (GBWE) in acutely ill patients can be a marker for anaphylaxis, right sided heart failure, pericardial effusion, or acute cholecystitis.  Other documented causes include hypoproteinemia, immune-mediated anemia, sepsis, pancreatitis, and post-transfusion (likely immune-mediated; possibly volume overload).  Point of care ultrasound (Global FAST®) should be used in addition to thorough physical exam and laboratory evaluations to offer the timeliest diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in critical patients. Learn how to assess for the different causes using our chart.

See also our Internal Medicine Blog entitled Ultrasound Assessment of the Gallbladder Wall: An Important Marker in the Acute Setting: https://fastvet.com/im-blog-august-2021-ultrasound-assessment-of-the-gallbladder-wall-an-important-marker-in-the-acute-setting/

Our updated FASTVet Gallbladder Wall Edema (GBWE) Rule Out Chart and here for the printable PDF.

gl/GL 4-9-2024

 

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