What are the diverticula within the gallbladder wall that can accumulate stones and sludge called?

The diverticula within the gallbladder wall that can accumulate stones and sludge are known as Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses. These sinuses are small outpouchings of the gallbladder wall, which can develop due to chronic irritation or inflammation, often related to conditions such as chronic cholecystitis. When these sinuses form, they provide a space where bile can stagnate, leading to the accumulation of sludge and stones.

This anatomical feature is significant clinically because the presence of sludge or stones within these diverticula can contribute to or exacerbate gallbladder-related disorders. Understanding this relationship is key for healthcare providers when diagnosing and treating gallbladder disease, as these sinuses can influence the management of conditions like cholecystitis.

In contrast, cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder itself rather than the diverticula, gallstones specifically denote the hardened deposits formed from bile, and Mirizzi syndrome is a complication arising from gallstones obstructing the common bile duct, which is a separate process from the formation of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses.