by First Hospital of Jilin University

Management strategies for ischemic cholecystitis. PTGD, percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage. Credit: eGastroenterology (2023). DOI: 10.1136/egastro-2023-100004

Ischemic cholecystitis is a form of gallbladder inflammation that occurs without gallstones or another form of external compression. It is caused by poor perfusion to the gallbladder tissue.

A team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, conducted a study investigating the cause of ischemic cholecystitis. They found that the gallbladder is particularly susceptible to ischemia because it receives its blood supply from a terminal artery, meaning that there is no other artery to supply blood to the gallbladder if this artery is blocked.

The researchers also found that ischemic cholecystitis is more common in patients who are critically ill. This is because critically ill patients are often hypovolemic, meaning that they have low blood volume. This can lead to poor gallbladder perfusion, which can lead to inflammation.

The paper is published in the journal eGastroenterology.

These findings have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic cholecystitis. Because it is often difficult to diagnose, ischemic cholecystitis can be misdiagnosed as another condition, such as sepsis or pancreatitis. This can lead to delays in treatment and poorer outcomes for patients.

The researchers also found that ischemic cholecystitis is more likely to recur than obstructive cholecystitis. This means that patients with ischemic cholecystitis are more likely to require surgery to remove their gallbladder.

The treatment for ischemic cholecystitis is surgical removal of the gallbladder. This is the only way to prevent the condition from recurring.

Ischemic cholecystitis is a rare but serious condition that is more common in patients who are critically ill. Clinicians need to be aware of this condition to diagnose and treat it promptly.

More information: Juan Gerardo Favela et al, Aetiology, diagnosis and management for ischaemic cholecystitis: current perspectives, eGastroenterology (2023). DOI: 10.1136/egastro-2023-100004

Provided by First Hospital of Jilin University