What is considered an abnormal gallbladder wall thickness?

An abnormal gallbladder wall thickness is indicative of potential gallbladder pathology, with a wall thickness greater than 3 mm generally considered abnormal. This threshold is clinically significant because a thickened gallbladder wall can suggest conditions such as cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder often associated with gallstones, or other diseases affecting the gallbladder like malignancies or pancreatitis. The absence of gallbladder wall thickening (less than 2 mm) is typically seen in healthy individuals, while a thickness between 2 to 3 mm may fall within a borderline range but does not definitively indicate disease. However, when the wall thickness exceeds 3 mm, it raises concerns for underlying pathologies that may require further evaluation or intervention. Thus, this parameter is crucial for clinicians in assessing gallbladder health during imaging studies.