[Gallbladder torsion. A case report].
BACKGROUND
The unusual anatomical position of the organ, generally suspended by a mesentery, allows the rare possibility of its torsion with necrosis and even perforation.


METHODS
A woman, aged 78, who presented signs and symptoms similar to those of severe acute cholecystitis: abrupt onset of pain and a large palpable mass below the right costal margin. Immediate laparotomy with detorsion and easy cholecystectomy was performed.


CONCLUSIONS
Should a greatly enlarged mass be palpable below the right costal margin within a few hours from the abrupt onset of unremittant abdominal pain the possibility of torsion should come to mind not to delay operation in the supposition of acute cholecystitis.
Vitale
L
L
Divisione di Chirurgia Generale, USSL n. 30, Ospedale Maggiore, Chieri, Torino.
Kiss
A
A
Drago
G W
GW
Marino
B M
BM
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D014102:Torsion Abnormality