The Use of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Elevated Liver Enzymes as Predictive Factors of Gangrenous Cholecystitis: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Feb 7;15(2):e34727. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34727. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis. It is often found incidentally during laparoscopic cholecystectomy or during conversion to open surgery and diagnosed with subsequent pathological analysis. While intraoperative diagnosis is typically through direct visualization of the gallbladder, specific diagnostic modalities may guide physicians toward an earlier diagnosis. Surgical intervention and a more aggressive approach are often needed to prevent the advancement of the disease and its catastrophic complications. This case report illustrates the distinct risk factors predisposing a patient to develop gangrenous cholecystitis. Comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, age, the relevance of the SIRS criteria, and elevated liver enzymes are explored as predictive factors in a patient with gangrenous cholecystitis.

Keywords: acute cholecystitis; gallbladder; gangrenous cholecystitis; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; medical education; surgery general.

Publication types

  • Case Reports