The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential capacity of color and power Doppler sonography with intravenous contrast medium in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. We examined 18 patients with acute cholecystitis, 5 patients with chronic cholecystitis and a control group of 11 patients without gallbladder disease. In these patients, vascularization of the gallbladder wall was evaluated by color and power Doppler sonography before and after intravenous administration of contrast medium (Levograf). Vascularization was evaluated with a 3-point scale (grades 0, 1 and 3) according to the intensity and localization of signs of color. In the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, basal examination with power Doppler had a sensitivity of 38.8%. After administration of intravenous contrast medium, sensitivity was 100%. In conclusion, the use of sonographic contrast media in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This technique represents a viable diagnostic alternative to other complementary or imaging studies.