ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with the range of appearances of the normal gall-bladder and its variants. A discussion of anatomy, embryology, and imaging techniques is included for a better understanding of the normal gallbladder. Since 1900, when gallstones were first radiographically detected, continual improvement has taken place in gallbladder imaging. The development of contrast media led to oral cholecystography, and with additional technological advances, sonography became available. While they have limited roles in specifically imaging the gallbladder, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used to evaluate the abdomen, including the gallbladder. Discussions of imaging artifacts of the gallbladder and pseudolesions which can mimic gallbladder disease are also included. However, other imaging modalities such as oral cholecystography, endoscopic retrograde cholecystopancreatography, scintigraphy, and MRI are also included.
