Ultrasound in postoperative acalculous cholecystitis

Eleven patients were examined by ultrasound before undergoing cholecystectomy (n=9) or cholecystostomy (n=2) for acalculous cholecystitis after abdominal surgery. The ultrasound images were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the surgical and histologic findings. The results indicate several established ultrasound criteria of cholecystitis to be less reliable than usual. Although 10 of 11 patients were on parenteral hyperalimentation, gross distention of the gallbladder was observed in only 3. In 4 of 7 patients, in whom pericholecystic fluid was observed, no gallbladder perforation was found at surgery. However, thickening of the gallbladder wall was displayed in 10 of 11 cases, combined with a sonolucent intramural layer in 6. Furthermore, intraluminal nonshadowing echogenic densities correlated with empyema or hemorrhage in 5 of 8 cases. In conclusion, despite several limitations, ultrasound can be of considerable help when one is deciding to perform repeat laparotomy when acalculous cholecystitis is suspected.     

Use of morphine cholescintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in critically ill patients

Objective To determine the efficacy of morphine enhanced radionuclide cholescintigraphy (MC) in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (AC) in critically ill patients.Design Retrospective chart review.Setting 2 university hospitalsPatients and methods Records of all ICU patients who underwent MC as part of an evaluation for AC over an 8 year period were reviewed (n=45). All patients initially had standard radionuclide cholescintigraphy (RC) performed which showed nonvisualization of the gallbladder (GB) and were then given morphine sulfate (0.05–0.1 mg/kg iV).Results The mean age was 54 years (range 18–84 years). Risk factors for AC included fasting in 41 patients (mean 12.4 days) and total parenteral nutrition in 32 patients. Signs of biliary sepsis included temperature >100°F in 38 patients, WBC>10 000/ml³ in 40 patients, abdominal pain in 29 patients, and abnormal liver fuction tests in 42 patients. 23 patients had GB ultrasonography, with 7 showing stones. MC was positive (non-visualization) in 16 patients and negative (GB visualized) in 29, including 4 with gallstones. All patients in whom the GB was visualized did so within 1h. There were 13 patients with positive MC who underwent operation; 12 had AC (9 acalculous, 3 calculous). Three patients were treated medically and recovered (false positive). All 29 patients with negative MC were true negatives. Overall, MC had an accuracy of 91%, sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 75%, and negative predictive value of 100%.Conclusion MC is a useful test in the evaluation of critically ill patients for suspected AC, particularly in patients with known risk factors or documented gallstones.Presented at the 22nd Annual Educational and Scientific Symposium of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, New York, NY, June 1993     

Cholecystokinin cholecystography in the diagnosis of chronic acalculous cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia

Now that the active fragment of the cholecystokinin molecule has been made available for use in clinical practice, reports on the value of cholecystokinin cholecystography must be re-evaluated to determine if the procedure is worthwhile in patients with persistent symptoms and a normal conventional oral cholecystogram. Such an analysis discloses that there is no uniform agreement on what constitutes an abnormal examination and raises serious questions concerning the scientific validity of much of the data. It is apparent that there is no immutable evidence to date to indicate that cholecystokinin cholecystography is an accurate technique to determine which patients in this category will benefit from cholecystectomy.     

Multiseptate gallbladder with acute acalculous cholecystitis

Multiseptate gallbladder is a rare congenital malformation of the gallbladder. In some cases, right upper quadrant pain, recurrent abdominal pain, and gallstones were present. We present the sonographic findings in a case of multiseptate gallbladder with acute cholecystitis, which (to our knowledge) has not been reported before. We hypothesize that bile sludge accumulated and subsequent cholecystitis developed as a result of bile stasis in our case because the classic predisposing factors that have been described were absent.     

胆囊息肉样病变134例分析

目的探讨胆囊息肉样病变(PLG)的手术适应证和手术方式。方法回顾分析我院2000年1月至2004年12月间134例手术治疗的胆囊息肉样病变的临床和病理资料。结果超声检查胆囊息肉样病变的诊断率为94.77%,年龄大于50岁、超声提示息肉直径大于1 cm和单个息肉者为癌变的高危因素。其中75例行腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC),12例为胆囊腺瘤,其余均为胆固醇性息肉,无并发症发生。结论适当放宽手术指证,对胆囊癌高危人群施行手术治疗,能有效地预防胆囊癌变;LC是治疗胆囊息肉样病变的理想方法。     

Computed tomography as an adjunct to ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis

The sonographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings were reviewed in 17 patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) over a 6-year period from 1984 to 1989. Of the six patients in whom both ultrasound and CT were performed, CT revealed marked gallbladder (GB) wall abnormalities, including perforation, and pericholecystic fluid collections in five patients not demonstrated by sonography. Of the total group, five patients had GB wall thicknesses of 3 mm (normal) at pathologic examination, which demonstrated a spectrum of disease ranging from acute hemorrhagic/necrotizing, to gangrenous acalculous cholecystitis with perforation. Sonography was falsely negative or significantly underestimated the severity of AAC in seven of the 13 patients examined by sonography. CT because of its superior ability to assess pericholecystic inflammation may provide additional diagnostic information even after a thorough sonographic study in cases of AAC.     

Ultrasonographic findings in acute acalculous cholecystitis

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is usually seen as a complication of major surgery or trauma. Although this entity is well-known in the surgical literature, little has been written about it in the radiologic literature. A review of patient records from 1975 through 1982 revealed 16 patients with pathologically confirmed AAC on whom at least 1 sonographic study had been performed. Thickening of the gallbladder wall, a subserosal halo of edema, pericholecystic abscess, and marked gallbladder distention were consistent findings in AAC. In the proper clinical setting, these otherwise nonspecific findings allow a prompt and accurate diagnosis.     

Acute acalculous cholecystitis in acute renal failure

Acute acalculous cholecystitis developed in 16 of 92 patients with acute renal failure who had no prior or coincidental biliary tract disease. The cause of this complication is considered to be multifactorial. Risk factors include sepsis, previous surgery, trauma, total parential nutrition, intermittent positive pressure ventilation, opiate sedation, multiple transfusions and hypotension. One patient had 5 risk factors, 15 had 6 or more. Diagnosis was based on clinical suspicion, serial ultrasound scanning and serial estimations of white cell count, liver function and C-reactive protein. Four patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics and ultrasound observation, 10 underwent cholecystotomy and 2 patients had cholecystectomy. Eleven patients survived (69% survival). No patient treated by cholecystotomy required further surgery to the biliary tract. Acute acalculous cholecystitis has become a significant complication in our “high risk” acute renal failure population as intensive care has advanced and patients are surviving longer. Prompt and appropriate treatment will prevent it contributing significantly to the already high mortality of acute renal failure. Anticipation is the watchword.     

急性非结石性胆囊炎的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨急性非结石性胆囊炎的诊断及治疗方法。方法 结合国内外相关文献，对近年来本院收住的41例急性非结石性胆囊炎患者临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 41例急性非结石性胆囊炎患者经过个性化治疗后，39例治愈，2例死亡。结论 急性非结石性胆囊炎是一种相对独立的临床疾病，其重症患者并发症率和病死率高，早期诊断及个性化治疗是提高疗效的关键，对于不能耐受手术的患者，B超引导下经皮胆囊穿刺造瘘，是一种有效、安全可靠、操作简便且花费较少的治疗手段。     

Infusion tomography and ultrasonography of the gallbladder in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis

Sixty-three patients with the clinical suspicion of acute cholecystitis were examined with infusion tomography of the gallbladder. Ultrasonography was performed in 51 of these cases. The technique and diagnostic principles of both methods are discussed. The diagnostic value of the two methods when used in combination is stressed. Thus in a case of gangrenous cholecystitis when opacification of the gallbladder wall may not appear at infusion tomography, ultrasonography may demonstrate signs of gallbladder disease. Infusion tomography, on the other hand, may be of great value if ultrasonography is not informative.     

Intrahepatic abscess due to gallbladder perforation

Background Perforation of the gallbladder with cholecystohepatic communication is a rare cause of liver abscess. We report four cases of this condition and describe the imaging procedures related to its diagnosis and treatment.Methods The medical and x-ray files of 39 patients with percutaneous drainage of liver abscesses were retrospectively reviewed. Four patients with hepatic abscess due to gallbladder perforation were identified. The patients presented with clinical features suggestive of cholecystitis.Results Sonography in four patients showed a hypoechoic lesion in the liver adjacent to the gallbladder. CT in three patients showed a hypodense area in the liver, corresponding to the sonographic findings. Percutaneous abscess drainage, followed by an abscessogram, was performed in all patients. Contrast material injected throuugh the drainage catheter filled the gallbladder directly from the abscess cavity. Two patients subsequently underwent cholecystectomy, confirming perforation of the gallbladder fundus. In both cases the gallbladder was noted to be embedded in the liver and covered by adhesions.Conclusion Perforation of the gallbladder is a rare cause of pyogenic liver abscess. We suggest, however, based on our two patients who underwent surgery, and several cases reported in the literature, that this condition may be more common when the gallbladder is partially or totally intrahepatic.     

腹腔镜手术治疗急性非结石性胆囊炎37例临床分析

目的探讨腹腔镜在急性非结石性胆囊炎手术中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析本院7年间腹腔镜下手术治疗急性非结石性胆囊炎37例的临床资料。结果37例急性非结石性胆囊炎患者经腹腔镜手术（其中5例中转开腹手术），均治愈出院。结论急性非结石性胆囊炎患者行腹腔镜手术疗效可靠，且腹腔镜手术创伤小、痛苦少、恢复快，有明显的优越性。     

实时超声造影在胆囊穿孔诊断中的应用价值

目的探讨实时超声造影在胆囊穿孔诊断中的应用价值。方法37例接受胆囊切除手术的患者行常规超声和实时超声造影检查。结果常规造声诊断胆囊穿孔23例,共穿孔24个;超声造影诊断胆囊穿孔28例,共穿孔32个;经手术病理诊断胆囊穿孔29例,共穿孔36个。以手术结果为金标准,常规超声诊断胆囊穿孔的敏感性为71．4％,特异性为66．7％,准确性为70．2％。超声造影诊断胆囊穿孔的敏感性为77．8％,特异性为100％、准确性为96．6％;对胆囊穿孔部位的敏感性为100％,诊断率为94．1％。超声造影的特异性、准确性高于常规超声（P〈0．01）。结论胆囊穿孔实时超声造影表现具有特征性,且对胆囊穿孑L部位诊断准确性很高,可作为诊断胆囊穿孔的重要检测手段。     

老年胆囊穿孔外科治疗27例分析

目的 分析老年胆囊穿孔诊治特点,提高围手术期处理经验.方法 对我院普外科2000年1月至2006年12月间共收治老年急性胆囊穿孔27例临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 本组27例病例中,有慢性囊炎或胆囊结石病史25例,并存内科疾病19例(70.04%),术后并发症11例(40.74%),1例因多器官功能衰竭死亡.结论 由于老年人的生理及病理特点,其胆囊穿孔临床表现不典型,加之内科合并症较多见,术后并发症发生率高.应选择合适的手术时机、麻醉和手术方式,并加强围手术期处理.     

超声在老年急性非结石性胆囊炎诊断中的应用

目的 探讨超声在老年急性非结石性胆囊炎诊断中的价值。 方法回顾性总结和分析29例老年人急性非结石性胆囊炎。结果超声对急性非结石性胆囊炎的显示率和诊断符合率均为100％。急性非结石性胆囊炎的胆囊长径、宽径明显大于对照组(P<0.01),其胆囊壁较对照组增厚(P<0.01)。 结论 超声对急性非结石性胆囊炎具有重要的诊断价值。     

超声检查在急性胆囊炎腹腔镜胆囊切除术前的应用价值

目的 评价术前超声检查对预测腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)治疗急性胆囊炎难度的价值。方法 对180例因急性胆囊炎接受LC的患者,术前超声检查综合分析胆囊轮廓、胆囊颈部、囊壁厚度、囊壁回声、囊内回声情况,评估胆囊周围、Calot三角区的粘连程度,并与手术病理进行对照。结果 超声检查综合性评估胆囊与周围组织粘连程度的敏感度为92.78%(90/97),特异度为93.98%(78/83),准确率为93.33%(168/180)。结论 术前超声检查对预测LC治疗急性胆囊炎的难度有重要价值。     

Prospective evaluation of the sonographic murphy sign in suspected acute cholecystitis

The sonographic Murphy sign, the presence of maximal tenderness elicited over a sonographically localized gallbladder, has been considered useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected acute cholecystitis. We prospectively evaluated this sign in 427 consecutive patients referred for evaluation of acute cholecystitis. The overall accuracy of the sonographic Murphy sign in the 219 patients with sufficient confirmation to be included in the statistical analysis was 87.2%. Sensitivity was 63% and specificity was 93.6%. The predictive value of a positive sign was 72.5%, while the predictive value of a negative sign was 90.5%. The sonographic Murphy sign is a useful, albeit imperfect, adjunct in the assessment of patients with suspected acute cholecystitis.     

Acute acalculous cholecystitis and cardiovascular disease: a land of confusion

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) can be defined as acute inflammatory disease of the gallbladder without evidence of gallstones. The first case was reported in 1844 by Duncan et al.; however, some cases may have been missed previously in view of the complexity of the diagnosis. Several risk factors have been identified, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), in view of its multiple mechanisms of action, seems to play a key role. Atypical clinical onset, paucity of symptoms, overlap with comorbidities, and lack of robust, controlled trials result often in under or misdiagnosed cases. Moreover, laboratory results may be negative or not specific in the late stage of the disease, when a surgical treatment cannot be longer helpful if complications arise. A rapid diagnosis is therefore essential to achieve a prompt treatment and to avoid further clinical deterioration. In this short review, we would present the current evidence regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of the complex relation between AAC and CVD. Then, we fully emphasize the role of ultrasound to achieve an early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment in suspected cases, reducing mortality and complications rates.     

术后急性胆囊炎的早期诊断和治疗

目的 探讨术后急性胆囊炎的病因、早期诊断和治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析16例术后急性胆囊炎的临床资料.结果 16例中,术前B超确诊12例,CT确诊3例,另1例误诊为吻合口瘘,后经手术确诊.手术治疗15例,治愈14例,死亡1例;非手术治疗1例,治愈1例.结论 术后急性胆囊炎起病急,发展快,病因复杂,病死率高.提高对本病的认识、早期诊断和有效的处理是降低死亡率的关键.