Contrast-enhanced ultrasound detects gallbladder perforation in a patient with acute abdominal pain

Am J Emerg Med. 2012 Mar;30(3):516.e5-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.01.020. Epub 2011 Mar 29.

Abstract

We present the case of a patient with abdominal pain, in which gallbladder perforation was detected by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. A 90-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with a complaint of acute abdominal pain and vomiting. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a thickened gallbladder wall and small amounts of perihepatic fluid. Because these findings were suspicious for gallbladder perforation and contrast-enhanced computed tomography could not be performed because of a history of monoclonal gammopathy, a contrast-enhanced ultrasound scan was performed. After the administration of 2.5 mL of SonoVue (Bracco, Milan, Italy), a defect of the gallbladder wall was detected. The patient underwent laparotomy, on which the diagnosis of gallbladder perforation was confirmed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute / etiology*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cholecystitis / complications
  • Cholecystitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Contrast Media
  • Gallbladder Diseases / complications
  • Gallbladder Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phospholipids
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / complications
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Phospholipids
  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride