Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu

Contents
  • The Critically Ill: Prime Targets
  • Medical Conditions That Raise the Stakes
  • Medications and Treatments
  • Lifestyle Factors

Who's at Risk? Unveiling the Factors Behind Acalculous Cholecystitis

Who's at Risk? Unveiling the Factors Behind Acalculous Cholecystitis

The Hidden Dangers

Acalculous cholecystitis doesn't strike at random. Certain factors significantly increase your risk of developing this serious gallbladder condition. Let's explore who's most vulnerable and why.
Contents
  • The Critically Ill: Prime Targets
  • Medical Conditions That Raise the Stakes
  • Medications and Treatments
  • Lifestyle Factors

The Critically Ill: Prime Targets

The highest risk group for acalculous cholecystitis is critically ill patients in intensive care units. Factors like being on mechanical ventilation, having suffered major trauma or burns, or undergoing major surgery all increase risk. These conditions can reduce blood flow to the gallbladder, setting the stage for inflammation.

Medical Conditions That Raise the Stakes

Certain underlying health conditions make you more susceptible to acalculous cholecystitis. These include diabetes, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and autoimmune diseases. HIV/AIDS patients are also at higher risk, possibly due to opportunistic infections affecting the gallbladder.
Factors increasing the likelihood of developing acalculous cholecystitis include critical illness, major trauma, diabetes, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, and HIV/AIDS.

Medications and Treatments

Some medical treatments inadvertently increase the risk of acalculous cholecystitis. Total parenteral nutrition (being fed intravenously) is a significant risk factor, as it can cause bile to become stagnant in the gallbladder. Certain medications, particularly some used in chemotherapy, can also increase risk.

Lifestyle Factors

While less common, acalculous cholecystitis can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Risk factors in this group include prolonged fasting, rapid weight loss, and dehydration. These conditions can alter bile composition and flow, potentially leading to gallbladder inflammation.

FAQs

Is acalculous cholecystitis hereditary?

There's no strong evidence of a genetic link.

Can children get acalculous cholecystitis?

Yes, but it's rare and usually associated with serious illness.

Does gender affect risk?

Men are more commonly affected, unlike with gallstone cholecystitis.

Can pregnancy increase risk?

Pregnancy is more associated with gallstone cholecystitis than acalculous.

Is age a risk factor?

It can occur at any age but is more common in middle-aged and older adults.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding your risk factors for acalculous cholecystitis can help you and your healthcare providers stay vigilant and catch potential problems early.
Concerned about your risk for gallbladder issues? Discuss your personal risk factors with Doctronic today.
Additional References
  1. Barie PS, Eachempati SR. Acute acalculous cholecystitis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2010; 39:343.
  2. McChesney JA, Northup PG, Bickston SJ. Acute acalculous cholecystitis associated with systemic sepsis and visceral arterial hypoperfusion: a case series and review of pathophysiology. Dig Dis Sci 2003; 48:1960.
  3. Ganpathi IS, Diddapur RK, Eugene H, Karim M. Acute acalculous cholecystitis: challenging the myths. HPB (Oxford) 2007; 9:131.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.