Synchronous Emphysematous Cholecystitis and Acute Pancreatitis A Case Report

Abstract

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a comparatively rare but life-threatening disease, most frequently seen in elderly, debilitated, or diabetic patients. Simultaneous existence of emphysematous cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis is even rare from previous report. We described an elderly woman of emphysematous cholecystitis associated with cholelithiasis and acute pancreatitis presenting with a 3 days' duration of epigastric and right upper quadrant pain. Ultrasound and computed tomographic scans of the abdomen showed multiple stones and gas in the gallbladder and mild swelling of the pancreas with ascites. Antibiotics were given and percutaneous drainage of the gallbladder was performed. Subsequently, cholangiography via cholecystostomy was done and revealed no evidence of filling defect in the common bile duct. The patient was discharged on the 9th hospital day and the cholecystostomy tube was removed on the 7th day after discharge. Elective cholecystectomy was advised, but refused. There was no recurrence of abdominal pain after 6 months' follow-up.