Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether dynamic MRI could differentiate gallbladder carcinoma from chronic cholecystitis.
Method: The dynamic MR findings of 50 patients with pathologically proven chronic cholecystitis and 13 with gallbladder carcinomas were correlated with the pathological findings.
Results: In chronic cholecystitis with thickened wall, mucosa and muscle were shown in early images as smoothly delineated enhancement except in one case, and the subserosa with fibrosis was enhanced in late or delayed images. Unenhanced foci in the wall correlated with Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses or mural stones. In carcinomas, all tumors showed irregularly delineated enhancement in early images. In late or delayed images, noncancerous portions were also enhanced. The outer margin of early enhancement correlated with the extension of the tumor.
Conclusion: Dynamic MRI is useful for the differentiation of chronic cholecystitis from carcinoma and for the evaluation of its local extension.