A comparative appraisal of emphysematous cholecystitis

The effervescent gallbladder: a sonographic sign of emphysematous cholecystitis

“…In this disorder, gas typically accumulates within the gallbladder wall or lumen but occasionally may be found in the bile ducts or pericholecystic area [1]. The sonographic features of emphysematous cholecystitis have been well described: highly echogenic collections with shadowing and reverberation emanating from the gallbladder wall or lumen [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

Soft Tissue Gas Gangrene: A Severe Complication of Emphysematous Cholecystitis

“…This term, which was fi rst described by Pende (1907), is used to state a rare type of acute cholecystitis, which is characterized by air collection in the gallbladder wall. It emerges in 1-4% of cases of acute cholecystitis with morbidity and mortality rates ranging at higher levels than those mentioned in other ordinary types (Mentzer et al 1975;Shaffer 1975;Garcia-Sancho Tellez et al 1999). Diabetes mellitus and elderly are signifi cant predisposing factors, while men are affected with a higher frequency (Lorenz and Steffen 1990).…”

Emphysematous cholecystitis

“…It usually affects elderly men (2:1), and it is associated with diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerosis. Vascular compromise of the cystic artery is thought to play a significant role in the evolution of the emphysematous form of this disease, likely explaining its male predilection 1,2,7 . In comparison with all cases of acute cholecystitis, EC is associated with an ABCDDV/680 Lupinacci RM increased prevalence of acalculous disease and gallbladder perforation.…”

“…The risk of gangrene of the gallbladder is relatively high, and mortality rates may reach 15 % 7 .Commonly isolated organisms include Clostridium welchii, Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli. The presenting symptoms of EC are frequently very vague, clinical manifestation is often insidious and may then progress rapidly, requiring emergent surgical intervention 7 .The clinical presentation may adopt different forms, from minimal pain to septic shock, and unusual signs such as subcutaneous infections, pneumoperitoneum, and obstructive jaundice 2,4,6,8,10,12 . The succeeding symptoms and signs depend on the evolution of the disease 10,12 .…”