MALIGNANT-MELANOMA OF THE GALLBLADDER

A 75 year woman developed a primary malignant melanoma of the gallblad der. The patient presented with abdominal pain in the upper right quad rant typically seen in acute cholecystitis. Neither intravesical concr etions nor cholestasis was seen. Ultrasound demonstrated hyperechogeni c intraluminal ''school of fish'' reflections, which are typical for m etastatic melanoma to the gallbladder. Intravesical fluid collection w as not present. The tumor did not expand past the wall of the gallblad der. The main sonographic features are hyperdense intraluminal strands of tumor and the lack of fluid. Computed tomography showed solid intr aluminal masses with hypodensive and partially hyperdensive reticular structure.