Gangrenous Cholecystitis: A case report

Abstract

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) depicts gallbladder (GB) wall necrosis which occurs following prolonged acute cholecystitis that ultimately causes impairment in blood supply. GC is more common in the elderly and in patients with comorbidities. These patients may present with vague symptoms which may be confused with other conditions. Blood work may show elevated white cell count, and computed tomography may show lack of enhancement of the GB wall, air within the lumen or wall, and pericholecystic abscess. These patients would require proper resuscitation and an emergent cholecystectomy. This is the case report of a 75-year-old diabetic woman who presented acutely with a history of right upper abdominal pain and imaging finding of GC. She had an emergency subtotal cholecystectomy performed with good outcome.