Nephron

Acute Cholecystitis

Article
Digestive Health
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byNirmal Gokarn, MD, FACS+1 moreDec 17, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Acalculous Cholecystitis
  • Emphysematous (Acute) Cholecystitis
  • Gangrenous Cholecystitis

What is Acute Cholecystitis? (Definition/Background Information)

Acute Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, which is an organ located close to the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, which is an enzyme used to digest fat.

Who gets Acute Cholecystitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Acute Cholecystitis is more common after the age of 40 years
  • Women are more prone to the condition than men
  • Obese individuals
  • All racial and ethnic groups are prone to this disorder; however, it is more prevalent in native Americans and Hispanics

What are the Risk Factors for Acute Cholecystitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Acute Cholecystitis include:

  • A high-fat diet
  • Obesity
  • Older age group individuals

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acute Cholecystitis? (Etiology)

  • Most incidents of Acute Cholecystitis are caused by gallstones, which obstruct the gallbladder duct. Obstruction causes stasis (an obstruction of normal flow) of the bile in the gallbladder, which is then prone to infection
  • Other reasons for the disorder are severe illnesses and cancer of the gallbladder

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Cholecystitis?

Signs and symptoms of Acute Cholecystitis include:

  • Fever
  • Sharp cramping or dull pain over the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which may sometimes spread to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Clay-colored stool
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

How is Acute Cholecystitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Acute Cholecystitis would involve:

  • Physical examination with evaluation of medical history
  • Abdominal tenderness is felt on touch

Investigations:

  • Blood amylase and lipase tests
  • Complete blood count may show a higher-than-normal white blood cell count
  • Liver function tests

Imaging tests that can show gallstones or an inflammation include:

  • Abdomen ultrasound
  • Abdomen X-ray
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • Oral cholecystogram
  • Gallbladder scan (HIDA scan): This test looks for a blocked gallbladder or bile ducts. A radioactive chemical is injected, which passes through the blood into the bile ducts. Pictures taken by a special camera, along the chemical flow path, aids in the detection of any bile duct or gallbladder blockages
  • Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): MRI of the gallbladder, ducts, liver and pancreatic systems

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acute Cholecystitis?

The possible complications due to Acute Cholecystitis include:

  • Pus in the gallbladder (termed as empyema)
  • Gangrene (tissue death) in the gallbladder
  • Injury to the bile ducts draining the liver (an occasional complication of cholecystectomy)
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
  • Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)

How is Acute Cholecystitis Treated?

Treatment measures for Acute Cholecystitis include the following:

Non-surgical management:

  • The individual is administered intravenous fluids, till the infection can be controlled. Oral intake of foods are discontinued until such time
  • Use of antibiotics to treat the infection; acetaminophen is given to reduce fever
  • Pain-killing medications are used to control pain
  • Radiological (ultrasound/CT) guided drainage of gallbladder: In severely affected patients, a tube may be placed through the skin to drain the gallbladder, until they get better, and their condition improves

Surgical management: This may be required for gallstone-attributed Acute Cholecystitis, during or after the acute phase of the disease.

  • Some surgeons perform cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder), if the patient presents within 48 hours of onset of infection
  • Emergency surgery is indicated when there are complications, like perforation of the gallbladder, gangrene, pancreatitis, and inflammation of the common bile duct

How can Acute Cholecystitis be Prevented?

Acute Cholecystitis may be prevented by the removal of gallbladder (cholecystectomy)and gallstones. This will prevent further attacks.

What is the Prognosis of Acute Cholecystitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

When the acute phase is treated appropriately, the prognosis is very good. Patients, who have their gallbladder removed for gallstones, usually have a good prognosis.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acute Cholecystitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/digestive-center/

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Nirmal Gokarn, MD, FACS picture
Reviewed by

Nirmal Gokarn, MD, FACS

Surgery, Medical Editorial Board

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