Acute Cholecystitis Flashcards
What is acute cholecystitis?
Chemical inflammation due to gallbladder obstruction
Involves bacterial growth from organisms like E. coli and others.
What are common bacteria involved in acute cholecystitis?
- E. coli
- Enterococci
- Bacteroides fragilis
- Clostridium (GRAM -ve)
These bacteria contribute to the inflammation and infection.
What are the symptoms of acute cholecystitis?
- Dull pain in Epigastric/RUQ
- Pain radiates to shoulder/back
- Pain after meals
- Constant pain worse on movement
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Sweating
Symptoms can vary in intensity and presentation.
What signs indicate acute cholecystitis?
- Unwell appearance
- Pyrexia (fever)
- Tachycardia
- RUQ tenderness
- +++ Murphy’s Sign
- Mass +/-
Murphy’s Sign is a specific sign for gallbladder inflammation.
What laboratory findings are expected in acute cholecystitis?
- High CRP
- Leukocytosis
- Mildly elevated LFTs
These findings indicate inflammation and potential liver involvement.
What imaging techniques are used for diagnosing acute cholecystitis?
Ultrasound (USS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
USS shows gallstones, thick-walled GB, and fluid; ERCP visualizes the biliary tree.
What does the ultrasound reveal in acute cholecystitis?
- Gallstones
- Thick-walled GB
- Fluid
- Distended gallbladder
- +++ Radiological Murphy’s sign
These findings help confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment for acute cholecystitis?
- Supportive care: IV fluids, analgesia, antibiotics
- May resolve on its own
- Surgery: Cholecystectomy (Lap choli), drainage
Treatment depends on severity and patient’s condition.
What are the complications of acute cholecystitis?
- Empyema - gallbladder fills with puss
- Ischaemia
- Perforation
- Peritonitis
- Sepsis
These complications result from untreated or severe inflammation.
