Acalculous Cholecystitis: The Silent Gallbladder Threat You Need to Know About
Published: Oct 02, 2023
Acalculous cholecystitis is a dangerous inflammation of the gallbladder that occurs without gallstones. It primarily affects critically ill patients and can be life-threatening if not caught early.
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Who's at Risk?
This condition most often strikes hospitalized patients who are already very sick. Risk factors include recent surgery, severe injuries, burns, sepsis, and being on mechanical ventilation. However, it can occasionally occur in otherwise healthy people, especially those with vascular disease.
Sneaky Symptoms to Watch For
Acalculous cholecystitis can be tricky to spot. In critically ill patients, an unexplained fever may be the only sign. Other potential symptoms include right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Because symptoms can be vague, it's often not diagnosed until serious complications develop.
Diagnosis: A Detective's Work
Diagnosing acalculous cholecystitis requires a combination of clinical suspicion and imaging tests. Ultrasound is usually the first test performed, looking for signs like a thickened gallbladder wall or fluid around the gallbladder. CT scans and specialized nuclear medicine scans may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
It accounts for about 10% of all acute cholecystitis cases.
Mortality rates can be as high as 30% due to patients' underlying illnesses.
Early mobility and nutrition in critically ill patients may help reduce risk.
No, some cases can be treated with gallbladder drainage alone.
Key Takeaways
Acalculous cholecystitis is a serious condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent potentially fatal complications.
If you're concerned about unexplained abdominal pain or fever, especially after a hospital stay, don't hesitate to discuss your symptoms with Doctronic.Related Articles
References
Barie PS, Eachempati SR. Acute acalculous cholecystitis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2010; 39:343.
Huffman JL, Schenker S. Acute acalculous cholecystitis: a review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 8:15.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.