Volume 20, Issue 3
DOI: 10.53555/03276716.2011.01
Correlation Between Ultra sonographic Findings and Histopathological Diagnosis in Patients with Suspected Gallbladder Pathology: A Prospective Study
Abstract
Background: Ultrasonography serves as the primary diagnostic modality for gallbladder pathology, yet correlation with histopathological findings requires contemporary evaluation. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy and correlation between ultrasonographic findings and histopathological diagnosis in suspected gallbladder diseases.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad, over six months (April-September 2011). One hundred twenty consecutive patients with suspected gallbladder pathology underwent standardized ultrasonographic examination followed by cholecystectomy and histopathological analysis. Statistical correlation was performed using kappa analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
Results: Female predominance was observed (73.3%) with peak incidence in 31-45 years age group (35.0%). Ultrasonography demonstrated high sensitivity for gallstone detection (95.8%) and acute cholecystitis (83.3%) with overall diagnostic accuracy of 91.7% and 95.0% respectively. Chronic cholecystitis was the most common histopathological finding (70.0%), followed by acute cholecystitis (15.0%). Excellent agreement was achieved for gallstones (?=0.742) and acute cholecystitis (?=0.786), while chronic cholecystitis showed moderate agreement (?=0.408). Gallbladder adenocarcinoma was detected in 3.3% of cases. The false-positive rate for gallstone detection was 16%, consistent with previous literature. Gallbladder polyp detection achieved high specificity (96.4%) but lower sensitivity (60.0%).
Conclusion: Ultrasonography demonstrated substantial correlation with histopathological findings, confirming its reliability as the primary diagnostic modality for gallbladder pathology. However, histopathological examination remains essential for definitive diagnosis, particularly in chronic inflammatory conditions and suspected malignancy.
Keywords
Ultrasonography, Histopathology, Gallbladder pathology, Diagnostic accuracy, Cholecystitis