Hydrops sign

![Persistent obstruction of the gallbladder results in a hydropic gallbladder due to ongoing mucus production by the gallbladder mucosa. The hydrops sign is tested by applying graded compression over the gallbladder. The hydrops-sign is positive if the gallbladder during compression “bulges” into the abdominal wall and keeps its rounded contour. This is best seen in expiration, when the abdominal wall muscles relax.

Julien Puylaert, Medical center Haaglanden in the Hague and Academical Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands The Radiology Assistant : Gallbladder obstruction. https://radiologyassistant.nl/abdomen/biliary-system/lk-jg](attachment:2805e487-0567-447d-8b0b-2c308510abd3:1-fig-hydrops-1574017837.jpg)

Persistent obstruction of the gallbladder results in a hydropic gallbladder due to ongoing mucus production by the gallbladder mucosa. The hydrops sign is tested by applying graded compression over the gallbladder. The hydrops-sign is positive if the gallbladder during compression “bulges” into the abdominal wall and keeps its rounded contour. This is best seen in expiration, when the abdominal wall muscles relax.

![Not infrequently, also on CT scan hydrops of the gallbladder may be identified (fig), but often complementary US is very useful.

](attachment:cf5ea8b8-e299-4c02-a4c9-44430ce0ee55:13-hydrops-ct.jpg)

Not infrequently, also on CT scan hydrops of the gallbladder may be identified (fig), but often complementary US is very useful.