Angiosarcoma of the gallbladder: A case report and a literature review

Abstract

We present a case of primary gallbladder angiosarcoma in a 40-year-old woman with a 10-year history of cholelithiasis who presented with acute cholecystitis. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a malignant tumor of the gallbladder. Due to the large size of the tumor, which invaded the pancreas and intestines and was accompanied by metastasis, a percutaneous biopsy of the gallbladder tumor was performed, and it was confirmed to be angiosarcoma of the gallbladder. The patient underwent transarterial embolization and biliary stenting, but subsequently developed tumor-duodenal fistula, intra-abdominal abscess, and ultimately succumbed to septic shock. Our review of 13 previously reported cases of gallbladder angiosarcoma worldwide summarizes the clinical characteristics of this rare malignancy. This study demonstrates that gallbladder angiosarcoma is highly aggressive, with marked invasive and metastatic potential, poor treatment response, and dismal prognosis. Our findings suggest that early intervention for gallstones may help prevent the development of gallbladder angiosarcoma.