Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): What It Means on Your Ultrasound

If your report says cholelithiasis, here is what the sonographer saw, in plain words.

What cholelithiasis is

Cholelithiasis is the Latin term for gallstones in the gallbladder. "Chole" = bile, "lithiasis" = stone.

How they look on ultrasound

They appear as bright (echogenic) images inside the gallbladder that cast an acoustic shadow behind them and move with position. That shadow is the classic signature of a stone.

When they matter

Many stones cause no symptoms. Others cause right-side pain after fatty meals. Severe pain, fever or yellowing need prompt care.

The method's view

The gallbladder and liver work together handling fats. Understanding your image is understanding your metabolism.

Educational content to help you understand your report. Not a diagnosis and not a substitute for your doctor/radiologist, who sees the full image.