Gallstone Ileus: An Uncommon Cause of Acute Abdomen

Abstract

Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of acute abdomen, representing less than 1% of intestinal obstruction. It is due to mechanical small bowel obstruction (SBO) by a migrated gallstone. we report this observation to illustrate the imaging findings especially in CT scan. A 62-year-old woman was admitted to emergency for acute bowel obstruction. The CT scan has confirmed jejunal bowel distension with fluid levels upstream endoluminal formation which was rounded and well limited, measuring 5 cm of long axis. This training was slightly hyperdense with hypodense areas of fat density. Moreover, there was aerobilia with multiple fistulas between the duodenum (D1) and gallbladder, which was empty. The triad of aerobilia, small bowel obstruction and migrant gallstone was suggestive of gallstone ileus diagnosis. The patient was operated with good evolution. Gallstone ileus is an uncommon presentation of gallstone disease. It is frequently observed in elderly patients with a history of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. Early diagnosis is crucial and would avoid morbidity and mortality related to this disease. CT scan shows the classical triad of Rigler with pneumobilia, an ectopic stone and mechanical ileus. CT may improve the diagnosis providing important information regarding the exact number, size, and location of ectopic stones and the site of intestinal obstruction or direct visualization of a biliary–enteric fistula, to help clinicians in the therapeutic management of patients.