Contents
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.
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.
Treatment: Time is of the Essence
Quick treatment is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Options include draining the gallbladder with a tube (cholecystostomy) or surgically removing it (cholecystectomy). Antibiotics are also given to fight infection. The choice of treatment depends on how sick the patient is and whether complications have already occurred.
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.
Recurrence is rare if the underlying cause is addressed.
The Bottom Line
Acalculous cholecystitis is a serious condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent potentially fatal complications.
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.
- Kalliafas S, Ziegler DW, Flancbaum L, Choban PS. Acute acalculous cholecystitis: incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and outcome. Am Surg 1998; 64:471.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?