Acalculous cholecystitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors associated with acalculous cholecystitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation and the role of repeat ultrasound examinations.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University hospital, United States.


METHODS
381 Patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation between 1987 and 1992.


METHODS
Abdominal ultrasound examination (n = 134), repeat ultrasound in those considered to have acalculous cholecystitis (n = 8), and acute cholecystectomy (n = 5).


RESULTS
14 Patients (4%) with acalculous cholecystitis were identified. The 8 who had had liver tissue examined also had veno-occlusive disease of the liver. It was possible to follow progressing or resolving acalculous cholecystitis by repeat ultrasound examinations. 4 Of the 5 patients treated surgically survived, compared with 3 of the 9 not operated on.


CONCLUSIONS
Acalculous cholecystitis was associated with veno-occlusive disease of the liver. Repeat ultrasound examinations were valuable in showing progressing or resolving acalculous cholecystitis and may guide treatment. Cholecystectomy seems to be a safe procedure for acalculous cholecystitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
Wiboltt
K S
KS
Department of Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, CA 94305, USA.
Jeffrey
R B
RB
D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D014463:Ultrasonography