Hepatitis A virus infection associated with bilateral pleural effusion, ascites, and acalculous cholecystitis in childhood: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatitis A infection is common among children in developing nations. The clinical presentation in children is usually asymptomatic and anicteric, and it is a self-limiting infection. Rarely, it can be associated with extrahepatic complications such as pleural effusion, acalculous cholecystitis, and ascites. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old middle eastern child presented with abdominal pain, jaundice in the sclera, yellowish color of urine, and poor appetite. In the last two days, abdominal distension developed. After conducting diagnostic investigations, the child was diagnosed with HAV hepatitis associated with bilateral pleural effusion, acalculous cholecystitis, and ascites. He was managed conservatively with vitamin K supplementation and supportive parenteral fluids. After 4 days, clinical improvement was observed. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis A infections presented with extrahepatic manifestations like pleural effusion, acalculous cholecystitis, and ascites are very rare, especially in children. There have been some reports of these manifestations occurring in isolation, but for them to co-exist to our knowledge, this has only been reported in two cases in the literature, and this is the third case with all these three rare complications being presented simultaneously in a single child. Although HAV infection is an asymptomatic and self-limiting viral disease in childhood, it can manifest with rare extrahepatic complications, so pediatricians should be aware of this rare association to avoid unnecessary investigations.

Marked gallbladder wall thickening caused by Epstein-Barr virus-induced infectious mononucleosis.

Key Clinical Message: In patients with symptoms of viral infection and marked thickening of the gallbladder wall, it is important to suspect acalculous cholecystitis due to Epstein-Barr virus-induced infectious mononucleosis. Abstract: A 35-year-old Japanese man presented with fever, abdominal right upper quadrant pain, and liver dysfunction. Positive immunoglobulin M and -G antibodies and negative nuclear antigen for Epstein-Barr virus were observed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a markedly thickened gallbladder wall. Acalculous cholecystitis due to Epstein-Barr virus-induced infectious mononucleosis was diagnosed.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis with portal cavernoma: A case report with literature review.

Portal cavernoma cholangiopathy (PCC) refers to morphological changes in the intrahepatic, extrahepatic biliary system, along with the gallbladder (GB), induced by portal cavernoma (PC). Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents an infrequent clinical manifestation of PCC. Given the inadequacy of documentation within medical literature, AAC may go undiagnosed among patients with PC presenting symptoms of right upper quadrant pain. The current study aims to report a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis secondary to portal cavernoma, focusing on radiological findings, with a brief review of literature.

Part 1: Current Concepts in Radiologic Imaging and Intervention in Acute Cholecystitis.

Acute calculous cholecystitis and acute acalculous cholecystitis are encountered commonly among critically ill, often elderly, patients. Multidisciplinary management of these conditions is essential, with intensivists, surgeons, diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, infectious disease physicians, gastroenterologists, and endoscopists able to contribute to patient care. In this article intended predominantly for intensivists, we will review the imaging findings and radiologic treatment of critically ill patients with acute calculous cholecystitis and acute acalculous cholecystitis.

Gallbladder volvulus misdiagnosed as acute acalculous cholecystitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gallbladder volvulus is a rare surgical disease with clinical manifestations similar to acute acalculous cholecystitis. Diagnosing gallbladder volvulus is critical as delayed surgical intervention in gallbladder volvulus is associated with high morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old male patient presented to our outpatient department for right upper quadrant pain of one-month duration. Taking into consideration the patient's clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging findings, we diagnosed the patient with acute acalculous cholecystitis and started intravenous antibiotics. After 3 days, the clinical progress was unfavorable, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed, and the final diagnosis of gallbladder was done intraoperatively. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the second day after surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The cause of gallbladder volvulus may be related to abnormal embryological development, resulting in a long mesentery gallbladder and consequently leading to a floating gallbladder. Patients with gallbladder volvulus often do not exhibit specific signs, and the symptoms typically resemble those of acute acalculous cholecystitis. Once gallbladder volvulus is diagnosed, the surgical intervention must be conducted immediately. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder volvulus is a relatively rare and challenging condition to diagnose. It should be considered in cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis, especially in elderly, thin patients who do not respond to antibiotic treatment. Cholecystectomy is the definitive treatment for gallbladder volvulus. In particular, laparoscopic surgery should be chosen initially.

Duodenal Ulcer Perforation Causing Acute Cholecystitis.

Acute cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder, characterized by infection, ulceration, and neutrophilic infiltration of the gallbladder wall. Approximately 90% of cases are caused by gallstones. In contrast, acalculous cholecystitis is defined as the inflammation of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones during diagnosis. The causes of acalculous cholecystitis include impaired blood flow to the gallbladder, chemical injury, bacterial or parasitic infections, and collagen vascular diseases. However, in this case, it was caused by an extremely rare condition: a duodenal ulcer penetration. Physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasound suggested a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. However, contrast-enhanced CT showed no gallstones and revealed a partial mucosal defect in the first portion of the anterior duodenum. There was also wall thickening and increased density of the surrounding fat tissue, particularly around the gallbladder wall adjacent to the first portion of the anterior duodenum. Based on these findings, secondary cholecystitis due to perforation of a duodenal ulcer was diagnosed, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy with omental patching was performed. Although rare, a duodenal ulcer should be considered as a cause of acalculous cholecystitis.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis complicated by infectious mononucleosis caused by cytomegalovirus.

Key Clinical Message: When seeing patients who present with atypical lymphocytes and abdominal pain without accompanying symptoms of pharyngitis or lymphadenopathy, acalculous cholecystitis caused by CMV infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Abstract: A teenage man presented with a fever and epigastric pain. The patient tested positive for cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT revealed hepatosplenomegaly and gallbladder wall thickening. MRI did not identify gallstones or tumorous lesions. He was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis and acalculous cholecystitis caused by cytomegalovirus.

The impact of cholecystectomy on the symptom relief and quality of life of patients with gallbladder dysmotility.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the physical and mental health of patients with gallbladder dysmotility. METHODS: Retrospective data was collected from 314 patients who had undergone a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan between June 2012 and June 2022 in a District General Hospital in South East England. Sixty-three patients who were diagnosed with gallbladder dysmotility were then contacted and asked to participate in a telephone interview regarding their symptoms. We measured their health-related quality of life using the HRQoL SF-12 v2 (Health Related Quality of Life Short Form-12 version 2) questionnaire. Differences in the resolution of symptoms between those that had undergone a cholecystectomy and those who did not, were assessed using a chi square test. The two groups were then compared using the student t-test to assess statistically significant differences. RESULTS: 94% (n = 31/33) of the participants in the non-cholecystectomy group demonstrated persistent biliary pain symptoms as opposed to the 6% (n = 2/30) in the cholecystectomy group. A statistically significant improvement in five out of the eight domains of the HRQoL SF-12 questionnaire was demonstrated. These domains include PCS (physical component summary), MCS (mental component summary), mental health, general health and bodily pain. CONCLUSION: The results of our retrospective analysis demonstrate an improvement in both the physical and mental health-related quality of life symptoms in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These findings support the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an effective method for managing gallbladder dysmotility.

Hepatitis A virus induced acute acalculous cholecystitis diagnosed postoperatively: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is defined as gallbladder inflammation without the presence of stones. Contrary, hepatitis A virus (HAV) can present with different symptoms; however, HAV causing and presenting as AAC is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: 41-year-old previously healthy patient presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. The pain was persistent and associated with vomiting and laboratory tests showed elevated bilirubin. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed inflamed gallbladder with no stones and intraoperative cholangiography showed no abnormalities. Day one post-operation, while the pain resolved, labs showed elevated liver function tests and hepatitis workup showed acute HAV infection attributing her presentation to HAV induced AAC. DISCUSSION: AAC is usually caused by stasis of the gallbladder due to different causes; however, HAV induced AAC has been rarely reported. While cholecystectomy is the mainstay treatment for AAC, this might not be the case for HAV induced AAC. For instance, unless there is necrotic gallbladder or persistence of symptoms, AAC can be managed conservatively in this case. Even though our diagnosis was cleared post-operatively, had we knew the diagnosis of HAV induced AAC before, we would have still opt for surgery due to the severity and persistence of pain. CONCLUSION: More cases should be reported and more studies should be done to further define the presentation and management of HAV induced AAC.

Clinical analysis of infectious mononucleosis complicated with acute acalculous cholecystitis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate specific clinical diagnostic methods for children with infectious mononucleosis (IM) complicated by acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 171 cases of IM diagnosed in the infectious disease ward of Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and December 2020. All IM patients underwent abdominal ultrasound examinations to assess the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. Fourteen patients with symptoms of AAC underwent a follow-up assessment one week later. Results: The estimated incidence of AAC in hospitalized IM children was 8.2%. Both groups of patients presented with fever, abdominal pain, and eyelid edema upon admission. Characteristic radiological findings of AAC were observed, including gallbladder (GB) distention, increased GB wall thickness and increased common bile duct diameter. Analysis of laboratory results revealed no statistically significant differences in leukocyte, absolute lymphocyte count, CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD3+ CD8+, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), or Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levels between the AAC(+) and AAC(-) groups on admission. However, these parameters were not significant risk factors for AAC. After discharge, relevant indicators in non-AAC patients gradually decreased to normal levels, while those in AAC(+) patients did not show a significant decrease. Conclusion: While cases of IM complicated by AAC are relatively uncommon, the utilization of abdominal ultrasound offers a reliable tool for confirming this diagnosis. Routine abdominal ultrasound examinations are recommended for IM patients to improve early detection and treatment of associated conditions.

Acalculous Cholecystitis in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents cholecystitis without gallstones, occurring in approximately 5-10% of all cases of acute cholecystitis in adults. Several risk factors have been recognized, while infectious diseases can be a cause of cholecystitis in otherwise healthy people. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has spread worldwide, leading to an unprecedented pandemic. The virus enters cells through the binding of the spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors expressed in many human tissues, including the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and this explains the symptoms emanating from the digestive system. Acute cholecystitis has been reported in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed analysis of the current literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of AAC in patients with COVID-19.

Acalculous Cholecystitis as a Complication of Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: A Case-Based Scoping Review of the Literature.

Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection manifests with diverse clinical symptoms, occasionally resulting in severe complications. This scoping review investigates the rare occurrence of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in the context of primary EBV infection, with a focus on understanding its prevalence, clinical features, and underlying mechanisms. The study also explores EBV infection association with Gilbert syndrome, a condition that potentially exacerbates the clinical picture. Additionally, a case report of an 18-year-old female presenting with AAC and ascites secondary to EBV infection enhances the review. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing reported cases of AAC secondary to EBV infection. This involved examining patient demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and outcomes. The search yielded 44 cases, predominantly affecting young females. Common clinical features included fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, tonsillitis/pharyngitis, and splenomegaly. Laboratory findings highlighted significant hepatic involvement. The review also noted a potential link between AAC in EBV infection and Gilbert syndrome, particularly in cases with abnormal bilirubin levels. AAC is a rare but significant complication of primary EBV infection, primarily observed in young females, and may be associated with Gilbert syndrome. This comprehensive review underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness and timely diagnosis to manage this complication effectively.

Epstein-Barr in a Patient Presenting with Right Upper Quadrant Pain: A Case Report from the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Right upper quadrant abdominal pain and elevated cholestasis blood tests are usually associated with bacterial calculous cholecystitis. However, viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can also manifest with a similar clinical picture and is an important differential diagnosis. CASE REPORT: This case report discusses a young woman presenting to the emergency department with acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain. The initial assessment revealed a positive Murphy's sign, elevated white blood count, and a cholestatic pattern on liver function tests, leading one to suspect bacterial calculous cholecystitis and initiating antibiotic therapy. However, clinical examination also revealed tonsillar exudates and differential white blood cell count revealed monocytosis and lymphocytosis rather than a high neutrophil count. The patient tested positive for EBV. Furthermore, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed gallbladder wall edema with no gallstones, leading one to conclude that the clinical manifestation and laboratory results were due to an EBV infection. Antibiotic therapy was ceased and the patient did not require surgical intervention. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Calculous bacterial cholecystitis usually entails antibiotic therapy and cholecystectomy. It is important to be aware of the differential diagnosis of EBV, as it usually does not require either of these and resolves spontaneously.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis due to hepatitis B virus reactivation: A case report and review of the literature.

We report a 52-year old man presenting with acute acalculous cholecystitis triggered by hepatitis B virus infection. The patient developed protective antibodies and cleared the infection. The relevant data is also discussed.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis following extended administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those treated with anti-CD20 antibodies such as rituximab and obinutuzumab, are known to be at risk of prolonged infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prolonged administration or combination therapy with antiviral medications reportedly yields favorable outcomes in these patients. However, knowledge regarding the adverse events associated with such therapeutic approaches is limited. Herein, we report a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) following extended administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) in a 68-year-old Japanese man with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient had received obinutuzumab and bendamustine for follicular lymphoma and was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) approximately one year after treatment initiation with these drugs. Subsequently, he was admitted to a different hospital, where he received antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids. Despite these interventions, the patient relapsed and was subsequently transferred to our hospital due to persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Remdesivir administration was ineffective, leading to the initiation of extended NMV/r therapy. One week later, he exhibited elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels, and one month later, he developed AAC. Cholecystitis was successfully resolved via percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and administration of antibiotics. We speculate that extended NMV/r administration, in addition to COVID-19, may have contributed to the elevated GGT and AAC. During treatment of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection with extended NMV/r therapy, patients should be carefully monitored for the appearance of findings suggestive of biliary stasis and the development of AAC.

Current status and therapeutic strategy of acute acalculous cholecystitis: Japanese nationwide survey in the era of the Tokyo guidelines.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the incidence, therapeutic modality, and prognosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis and to reveal its optimal treatment strategy. METHODS: As a project study of the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, we performed a questionnaire survey of demographic data and perioperative outcomes of acute acalculous cholecystitis treated between January 2018 and December 2020 from 42 institutions. RESULTS: In this study, 432 patients of acute acalculous cholecystitis, which accounts for 7.04% of acute cholecystitis, were collected. According to the Tokyo guidelines severity grade, 167 (38.6%), 202 (46.8%), and 63 (14.6%) cases were classified as Grade I, II, and III, respectively. A total of 11 (2.5%) patients died and myocardial infarction/congestive heart failure was the only independent risk factor for in-hospital death. Cholecystectomy, especially the laparoscopic approach, had more preferable outcomes compared to their counterparts. The Tokyo guidelines flow charts were useful for Grade I and II severity, but in the cases with Grade III, upfront cholecystectomy could be suitable in some patients. CONCLUSIONS: The proportions of severity grade and mortality of acute acalculous cholecystitis were found to be similar to those of acute cholecystitis, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended as an effective treatment option. (UMIN000047631).

A Biophysical Approach to Functional Gallbladder Disorder Leads to the Hypothesis That Salmonella Plays a Relevant Role in the Etiology of This Disease: A Retrospective Observational Pilot Study.

Introduction Between 2014 and 2021, 41 patients with somatically inexplicable gastrointestinal complaints presented to the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice of the author. Of these patients, 33 underwent diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in conventionally oriented practices and academic hospitals. The remaining eight participants directly reported the authors' practices. Conventional interventions did not lead to sufficient improvement in these patients. Patients and methods This study aimed to characterize the presentation and treatment results of 41 patients selected using biophysical diagnostic technology (BICOM bioresonance; Regumed GmbH, Planegg, Germany) with the working diagnosis of chronic Salmonella Cholecystitis (CSC). A retrospective observational analysis of the records of these patients was performed to provide a better understanding of their clinical picture. Results After an initial treatment period of an average of 7.5 weeks, the "end of treatment" (EOT) score could be determined. With an average of +/- 4 bioresonance sessions, 66% of the patients had a reasonable to a good reduction in complaints. This number increased after additional bioresonance therapy of the patients with comorbidities to a follow-up score (FU) of 86%. Conclusions The findings of this pilot study support the hypothesis that CSC is a well-defined clinical entity and may even coincide with the clinical picture of functional gallbladder disorder (FGD). Both can be considered as energetically informative syndromes. The study suggests that biophysical medicine may be a viable option in the diagnosis and treatment of CSC. A prospective follow-up study in an integrated setting is needed to provide more insight into these diseases.

Fatal outcome of dengue fever with multi-organ failure and hemorrhage: A case report.

Dengue fever is a prevalent viral disease caused by a single-stranded positive RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, genus flavivirus. It is characterized by fever, headache, myalgias, leukopenia, rash, and plasma leakage, which may progress to compensated or uncompensated shock and multi-organ failure. Liver involvement is a common feature of Dengue fever and is usually manifested by nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, hepatomegaly, and elevated serum transaminase levels. Severe disease is associated with laboratory parameters such as mean Platelet count < 20,000/mm, Aspartate Transaminase Levels >45 IU, and lymphocytes <1500. The Expanded Dengue Syndrome (EDS), a term coined by World Health Organization in 2012, refers to an atypical presentation of Dengue fever that manifests with generalized impacts on normal physiology. This case report presents a 29-year-old male with EDS who presented at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi and died a week later due to liver failure.

Gallbladder volvulus diagnosed intraoperatively: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder volvulus is a rare disease whose presentation usually overlaps with that of typical calculous cholecystitis. It's diagnosis is critical as it is associated with high morbidity and mortality and therefore should be managed urgently with cholecystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: 85-year-old female patient presented with right upper quadrant pain of one day duration that is associated with nausea and vomiting, but no fever or jaundice. She was tachycardiac and had severe abdominal right upper quadrant tenderness with positive Murphy's sign. Laboratory results showed only increase in inflammatory markers. Both ultrasound and computed tomography scan of the abdomen were done and acalculous cholecystitis was diagnosed. Open cholecystectomy was planned and performed, but gallbladder volvulus as the cause of cholecystitis was noted intraoperatively. DISCUSSION: There is still no consensus on the exact cause of gallbladder volvulus. Even though it presents mostly in elderly patients, different ages have been already reported. It's diagnosis can be suspected based on the appearance, symptoms, and examination of the patient. Laboratory tests and imaging might provide some clues for it's diagnoses. It's ischemic process prompts urgent surgical intervention and does not improve conservatively. Our patient did not present with all of it's typical symptoms and the diagnosis was made intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder volvulus could have been missed had we not opt for an urgent surgery. More studies should be done to further define its presentation, and accurately know when to consider it up in our differential diagnosis.

A Rare Case of COVID-19 Presenting as Acalculous Cholecystitis.

At its onset, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commonly presents with generalized myalgia and upper respiratory symptoms. COVID-19 presenting as acalculous cholecystitis has been rarely described in the literature. The following case presents a patient whose first presentation of COVID-19 was acalculous cholecystitis without respiratory symptoms, critical illness, or severe COVID-19 infection.