Diffuse papillomatosis of the gallbladder: Case report of a hydropic gallbladder

We present the case of a 47 year-old man with a gallbladder papillomatosis. His medical history showed typical biliary symptoms with chronic colicky pain and two episodes of jaundice. Unusually, the patient himself discovered a right hypochondrial mass which appeared to be a hydropic gallbladder. Pre-operative diagnosis was done by ultrasonography and percutaneous cholecystography. A cholecystectomy was performed. Gross description and microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of benign diffuse papillomatosis involving the entire mucosal surface of the gallbladder. The clinical and anatomical aspects of this lesion are discussed.