Epidemiology
Etiology
Subtypes and variants
Acute acalculous cholecystitis
Description: an acute life-threatening necroinflammatory disorder of the gallbladder, usually seen in critically ill patients, that is not associated with gallstones
Etiology: conditions predisposing to bile stasis and reduced perfusion of the gallbladder
Risk factors
Multiorgan failure (critically ill patients)
Severe trauma, burns
Surgery Infection (e.g., CMV)
Sepsis, septic shock
Total parenteral nutrition
Prolonged fasting
Clinical features: similar to acute calculous cholecystitis
Clinical features
Diagnostics
Treatment
Complications
Chronic cholecystitis
Clinical features: recurrent symptoms similar to acute cholecystitis but typically less severe and often self-limiting
Complications
Porcelain gallbladder
Definition: calcification of the gallbladder wall due to chronic inflammation
Imaging (x-ray or noncontrast CT abdomen): focal or diffuse hyperdensity (radiopaque appearance) of the gallbladder wall
Clinical significance: a risk factor for gallbladder cancer
Treatment: conservative management or laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on symptoms, pattern of gallbladder calcification, and comorbidities
