What ultrasound finding is indicative of acute cholecystitis?

The presence of thickening of the gallbladder wall and pericholecystic fluid is a classic ultrasound finding indicative of acute cholecystitis. In this condition, inflammation of the gallbladder typically occurs due to obstruction of the cystic duct, most commonly from gallstones. The thickening of the gallbladder wall is a sign of inflammation and edema, while pericholecystic fluid may suggest localized irritation and fluid accumulation around the inflamed gallbladder.

These findings are critical because they help differentiate acute cholecystitis from other conditions that might present with gallbladder stones, such as chronic cholecystitis or gallbladder sludge, which would not show the same significant wall changes or fluid accumulation. Therefore, the combination of these ultrasound findings is pivotal for an accurate diagnosis and guides further clinical management.