Radiologic diagnosis of tumors and tumor-like lesions of the gallbladder: an illustrated literature review

Rationale: Gallbladder disorders take one of the leading places in the structure of the pathology of the digestive system. The rapid development of computed tomography and magnetic resonance gave rise to include this modalities to the standards of medical care for adults with gallbladder diseases. It should be noted, however, that despite differences in etiopathogenesis there are similar and non-specific radiologic features for both non-neoplastic and neoplastic gallbladder lesions. Consequently, knowledge of the principal and specific radiologic evidences particulary relevant in today's. Aim: To analyze the differential diagnoses of benign and malignant lesions in the gallbladder, such as gallbladder cancer, adenomyomatosis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, lymphoma, polyps and metastatic gallbladder lesions. To determine CT and MR features for each type of pathology, recognize diagnostic values and limitations of different diagnostic modalities. Methods: A study of international literature in PubMed and Google Scholar databases from the 2003-2021 period was performed. We used the following search terms: gallbladder, gallbladder lesions, gallbladder сancer, gallbladder polyps, diolecystitis, хanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, adenomyomatosis. Results: We have been recognized the main CT and MR features for neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders of the gallbladder. We have also provided diagnostic values of this modalities. Conclusion: Knowledge of specific radiologic findings in different gallbladder lesions, advantages and limitations of different modalities should always take into consideration, since it helps to identify the cause of changes with high accuracy. Accurate diagnosis is needed, determine varying tactics for managing patients with tumor and tumor-like lesions of the gallbladder.