Eosinophilic Cholecystitis Occurred in a Patient With Refractory Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Eosinophilic cholecystitis (EC) is a rare condition that presents in a manner comparable to acute cholecystitis. The diagnosis is based on classical symptoms of cholecystitis with excessive eosinophilic infiltration within the gallbladder. EC has been reported alone or in combination with manifestations, such as eosinophilic gastrointestinal tract inflammation. However, association with airway inflammation in patients with EC is rare. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 65-year-old man who had refractory eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with bronchial asthma. A second endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed as treatment for recurrent nasal polyps. EC occurred while inhaled corticosteroids were reduced after ESS. Pathologic examination of the excised gallbladder demonstrated submucosal infiltration with a number of eosinophils. Furthermore, immunohistostaining revealed many galectin-10-positive cells in both the gallbladder mucosa and the paranasal sinus mucosa. Galectin-10 is a major constituent of human eosinophils, also known as the Charcot–Leyden crystal protein, which has been linked with eosinophilic inflammation. Interestingly, nasal polyps were reduced without any additional treatments 1 month after the cholecystectomy. Conclusions We experienced a rare case wherein EC onset occurred in a patient with refractory eosinophilic airway inflammation during inhaled corticosteroid tapering. Galectin-10 might help diagnose rare cases of eosinophilic inflammation in multiple organs.