Diagnostic Ultrasound - Abdomen and Pelvis

Biliary System
Anatomy: Abdomen
GALLBLADDER
Right rectus muscle
Right hepatic lobe
Gallbladder
Junctional fold
Common hepatic duct
Hepatic artery
Main portal vein
Duodenum
Cystic duct
Left hepatic lobe
Gallbladder
Stomach
Inferior vena cava
Vertebral body
Aorta
(Top) Subcostal, longitudinal grayscale ultrasound shows the gallbladder with patient in the left lateral decubitus position. The
gallbladder is distended with bile, causing increased transmission of echoes. A patient must fast for at least 4 hours to allow for
adequate gallbladder distension. (Bottom) Transverse ultrasound of a distended gallbladder in left lateral decubitus position is shown.
The gallbladder is best evaluated if the patient has fasted at least 4 hours, ideally 8-12 hours.
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