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

• Published in: Radiology case reports 2022-07, Vol.17 (7), p.2309-2314
• Main Authors: Katsumata, Ryo, Manabe, Noriaki, Urano, Takashi, Tanikawa, Tomohiro, Ishii, Katsunori, Ayaki, Maki, Fujita, Minoru, Suehiro, Mitsuhiko, Fujiwara, Hideyo, Monobe, Yasumasa, Kamada, Tomoari, Yamatsuji, Tomoki, Naomoto, Yoshio, Haruma, Ken, Kawamoto, Hirofumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asymptomatic diseases; Case Report; Gallbladder; Gangrenous cholecystitis; Transabdominal ultrasonography
• ISSN: 1930-0433; 1930-0433
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.04.002

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.