Question

1- What are the two most common cause of acute cholecyctitis?

2- Which etiology is most likely causing acute cholecyctitis?

Answer 1

Ans.

1 ) Gallstones are by far the most common cause of acute cholecystitis. Bile can build up in the gallbladder if gallstones obstruct the bile ducts. This leads to inflammation. Acute cholecystitis can also be caused by a severe illness or a tumor.

In most cases, gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This results in a bile buildup that can cause inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct problems, tumors, serious illness and certain infections.

2 )

The main cause of cholecystitis is gallstones or biliary sludge getting trapped at the gallbladder’s opening. This is sometimes called a pseudolith, or “fake stone.”

Other causes include:

• injury to the abdomen from burns, sepsis or trauma, or because of surgery
• shock
• immune deficiency
• prolonged fasting
• vasculitis

An infection in the bile can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder.

A tumor may stop the bile from draining out of the gallbladder properly, resulting in an accumulation of bile. This can lead to cholecystitis

It usually develops as a complication of a serious illness, infection or injury that damages the gallbladder. Acalculous cholecystitis is often associated with problems such as accidental damage to the gallbladder during major surgery, serious injuries or burns, blood poisoning (sepsis), severe malnutrition or AIDS.

Risk factors for biliary colic and cholecystitis include pregnancy, elderly population, obesity, certain ethnic groups (Northern European and Hispanic), weight loss, and liver transplant patients. The phrase "fair, female, fat, and fertile" summarizes the major risk factors for development of gallstones.