Acute Cholecystitis Associated with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis That Responded to Glucocorticoid Therapy

Intern Med. 2023 May 15;62(10):1501-1506. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0437-22. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Abstract

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic disorder characterized by tissue eosinophilic infiltration and vasculitis. Although EGPA causes multiple organ damage, it causes cholecystitis less frequently. We herein report a case of acute cholecystitis associated with EGPA in which successful treatment with glucocorticoid therapy allowed surgery to be avoided. EGPA can present as acute cholecystitis. It is important not to overlook acute cholecystitis associated with EGPA in patients with abdominal pain with peripheral eosinophilia. Furthermore, in cases of mild cholecystitis associated with EGPA that are diagnosed preoperatively, cholecystectomy might be avoided with conservative glucocorticoid treatment.

Keywords: Churg-Strauss syndrome; EGPA; acute cholecystitis; corticosteroid; eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cholecystitis* / complications
  • Cholecystitis* / drug therapy
  • Cholecystitis, Acute* / complications
  • Cholecystitis, Acute* / drug therapy
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia* / complications
  • Eosinophilia* / drug therapy
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / complications
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / diagnosis
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / drug therapy
  • Humans

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids