Asymptomatic gangrenous cholecystitis diagnosed using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in a patient with pancreatic cancer

Radiol Case Rep. 2022 May 5;17(7):2309-2314. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.04.002. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

A 72-year-old female without abdominal symptoms visited our hospital for routine follow-up while undergoing pancreatic cancer treatment (using TS-1). Her vital signs were normal, and her abdomen was soft and non-tender. Blood test revealed elevated C-reactive protein levels with normal white blood cell count. Computed tomography was performed for follow-up of pancreatic cancer. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed partial discontinuity and irregular thickness of the gallbladder wall; however, a definitive diagnosis was not obtained due to unclear imaging. Contrast-enhanced transabdominal ultrasonography revealed intraluminal membranes in the gallbladder and a perfusion defect at the bottom, indicating gangrenous cholecystitis. Surgical resection was performed, and pathological examination showed severe necrosis of the gallbladder wall, consistent with the findings of contrast-enhanced transabdominal ultrasonography.

Keywords: Asymptomatic diseases; Gallbladder; Gangrenous cholecystitis; Transabdominal ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports