I had a gallbladder ultrasound for postprandial pain. They said I did not have stones, but that my gallbladder has a "Phrygian cap." I'm curious to know more about this.

M.J.

A Phrygian cap is an anatomical variant of the gallbladder seen in 1-6 percent of patients who have ultrasound exams or contrast studies of their gallbladders. It is caused by a fold or division at the point where the tip of the gallbladder (the head) joins the main part of the gallbladder (the body). The interesting name comes from the resemblance of this "cap" to a style of pointed hat seen in ancient Greek art.

If a Phrygian cap is incorrectly interpreted by a radiologist reading an ultrasound, it may be mistaken for a collection of layered stones in the gallbladder. Other than causing confusion in the interpretation of medical tests, there is no known significance to having a gallbladder with a Phrygian cap. Perhaps most importantly from the patient's standpoint, there is no evidence that a Phrygian cap will lead to future problems related to the gallbladder.