What is the term used for an enlarged, palpable gallbladder due to distal obstruction of the CBD, often from a pancreatic head mass?

The term used for an enlarged, palpable gallbladder caused by distal obstruction of the common bile duct (CBD), frequently due to a mass in the head of the pancreas, is Courvoisier's sign or Courvoisier gallbladder. This condition occurs when the gallbladder expands in response to increased pressure from bile accumulation upstream of a blockage.

In the case of obstruction caused by a pancreatic head mass, the gallbladder becomes distended and can be palpated during an examination, serving as an important clinical indicator. This situation is indicative of the underlying issue, as a normal gallbladder is expected when there is no obstruction. Courvoisier’s sign is significant clinically because it suggests the possibility of malignancy or a significant obstructive process involved.

Hydrops of the gallbladder refers to a condition in which the gallbladder is filled with clear fluid due to prolonged cystic duct obstruction but is not specifically linked to a pancreatic head mass. Cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones, and while it can lead to gallbladder enlargement, it is not specifically dependent on the configuration of the CBD like Courvoisier's sign is. Mirizzi