Acalculous cholecystitis in Crohn's disease.
A 15-year-old boy with Crohn's ileocolitis developed marked gallbladder enlargement. Ultrasonographic findings were consistent with acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) or hydrops. At laparotomy a gangrenous gallbladder was found. The diagnostic modalities currently used to distinguish between hydrops, a benign condition generally treated expectantly, and AAC, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring surgical treatment are reviewed. Failure to distinguish between these two conditions with acalculous gallbladder enlargement and similar clinical and radiologic features may have serious consequences.
Hyams
J S
JS
Department of Pediatrics, Hartford Hospital, CT 06115-0729.
Baker
E
E
Schwartz
A N
AN
Ricci
A
A
McGowan
G
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004487:Edema / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography