| [ Summary ] |
Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGO) is a rare disease in which bile enters the gallbladder wall resulting in the development of a granulomatous inflammation, mainly consisting of xanthoma cells containing bile pigments. XGC is characterized by irregular thickening of the gallbladder wall with extension of the infiammation into surrounding structures, particularly the liver. Imaging findings may differ depending on the stage and degree of inflammation. Thus, the differential diagnosis of XGC from gallbladder cancer is very difficult. However, gallbladder cancer cannot be ruled out on the basis of the intraoperative findings, and the result may be excessive surgery. Therefore, the intraoperative diagnosis should be based on frozen section histology. Galllbladder cancer is more strongly associated with XGC than it is with cholelithiasis, and the frequency of postoperative detection of gallbladder cancer in XGC is high. Therefore, detailed intraoperative and postoperative histological exploration is necessary, even when a diagnosis of XGC has made preoperatively or during an operation. |