Abdomen | ultrasound / ct / mri
Gallstones
Gallstones means the scan showed stones in the gallbladder. Some people never have symptoms, while others develop pain or inflammation. The importance depends on whether there are symptoms or complications rather than the word gallstones alone.
Gallstones are solid deposits in the gallbladder seen on imaging.
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What it means
Gallstones means the scan showed stones in the gallbladder. Some people never have symptoms, while others develop pain or inflammation. The importance depends on whether there are symptoms or complications rather than the word gallstones alone.
Also seen as: cholelithiasis, gallbladder stones.
How common it is
Gallstones are common and are often seen incidentally on abdominal imaging.
Common incidental abdominal finding
Gallstones are frequently reported on ultrasound and other abdominal imaging, even when they are not causing symptoms.
Common causes
- Cholesterol or pigment stone formation
- Gallbladder stasis
- Metabolic and dietary factors
- Associated gallbladder inflammation or obstruction
When doctors worry
- The report mentions inflammation or duct obstruction
- There is pain, fever, jaundice, or pancreatitis
- The imaging suggests acute cholecystitis or bile duct stones
Typical follow-up
- Asymptomatic gallstones may need no treatment
- Symptoms or complications can change management
- Doctors look for signs of inflammation or obstruction
Example report wording
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
See phrase explanationGallstones within the gallbladder lumen.
See phrase explanation
Common report phrases linked to this finding
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
"Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis." is radiology report language linked to gallstones and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
"Diffuse hepatic steatosis." is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Gallstones within the gallbladder lumen.
"Gallstones within the gallbladder lumen." is radiology report language linked to gallstones and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Frequently asked questions
Do gallstones always cause pain?
No. Many people have gallstones without symptoms.
Why would gallstones be more urgent sometimes?
Urgency rises when there are signs of infection, obstruction, or pancreatitis.
Clear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.
Sources
Sources and medical review process
RadDx finding pages are written for patient education using consumer-friendly radiology references, plain-language terminology resources, and cautious summary review of common imaging follow-up frameworks.
- Reviewed by
- RadDx Editorial Team
- Last reviewed
- March 10, 2026
- RadiologyInfo.org
RSNA and ACR
- MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
National Cancer Institute
Sources are used for patient education context and terminology support. They do not replace clinician review of your individual report.
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