cholesterolosis /kəles′tərəlō″sis/ , an abnormal condition, found in about 5% of patients with chronic cholecystitis, in which deposits of cholesterol occur within large macrophages in the submucosa of the gallbladder. This produces a spotty appearance, sometimes referred to as a strawberry gallbladder. Cholesterolosis is often associated with gallstones and may be asymptomatic or accompanied by biliary colic. Also called cholesterosis. See also cholecystitis.
