Acute emphysematous cholecysitis.

Abstract

Acute emphysematous cholecystitis is an unusual pathologic entity which results when gas-producing organisms invade the gallbladder. Gas in the gallbladder was first described at operation by Lobingier in 1908. 1,2 The first x-ray description was made by Von Friedrich in 1929, but it was not until after Hegner's 3 description, in 1931, of the radiological appearance, that it became well known. In the literature there have been about 56 reported cases. 1-8 Since 1952, four cases of emphysematous cholecystitis have been seen by the x-ray department of Presbyterian Hospital in Denver. Report of Cases Case 1. —A white male with a history of diabetes of eight years' duration was admitted to the Mennonite Hospital in La Junta, Colo., on June 14, 1952, with a chief complaint of severe pain in the upper abdomen which had started 24 hours prior to his admission. The pain had persisted since its onset, and