Is percutaneous cholecystostomy a safe alternative for neutropenic patients with severe biliary septic shock

Abstract

Introduction: Acalculous cholecystitis is a relatively rare form of acute cholecystitis appearing in critically ill patients. Case Report: We present the case of a male patient under chemotherapy for myeloid leukemia who developed a severe septic shock secondary to an acute acalculous cholecystitis. Because of hemodynamic instability requiring high­dose of vasoactive amines, percutaneous gallbladder drainage was done. After this intervention, the septic shock could be controlled, but a bleeding liver laceration was observed, fortunately without morbidity consequences. Conclusion: Acute acalculous cholecystitis is a life­ threatening condition in neutropenic patients and percutaneous gallbladder drainage could be a minimally invasive and safe alternative treatment in high­risk patient.