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. 2011 Apr;21(2):142-6.
doi: 10.4103/0971-3026.82300.

Emphysematous cholecystitis: Imaging findings in nine patients

Affiliations

Emphysematous cholecystitis: Imaging findings in nine patients

Abhijit Sunnapwar et al. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2011 Apr.

Abstract

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a severe form of acute cholecystitis and can be rapidly fatal. We present the imaging features of nine patients with proven emphysematous cholecystitis.

Keywords: CT scan; cholecystitis; emphysematous; gall bladder; radiograph; ultrasound.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Abdominal radiograph (frontal projection) shows intraluminal air (arrow) with air–fluid levels
Figure 2
Figure 2
Axial USG image shows a linear echogenic focus (arrow) with a reverberation artifact (arrowhead) at the gall bladder fundus
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sagittal USG image of the gall bladder shows multiple speckled echogenic bands (arrows), with acoustic shadowing within its wall (arrowhead)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Sagittal (A) and axial (B) USG images show sludge (black arrow) and wall thickening (arrow in A) of the gall bladder, consistent with acute cholecystitis with echogenic shadowing foci (arrow in B) within the biliary system
Figure 5
Figure 5
Axial CT scan shows air (arrow) in the gall bladder lumen with an air–fluid level
Figure 6
Figure 6
Axial CT scan shows gall bladder wall thickening (arrow), with intramural air (arrowhead)
Figure 7
Figure 7
Axial CT scan shows intramural air in the gall bladder (arrow), with cholelithiasis (arrowhead)
Figure 8
Figure 8
Axial CT scan shows intrahepatic abscess (arrow), with a focus of air (arrowhead). Also note foci of free intraperitoneal air (curved arrow)
Figure 9 (A,B)
Figure 9 (A,B)
Axial CT scan (A) shows an inflamed gall bladder with questionable air in the gall bladder wall (arrow). Coronal reformation (B) confirms air within the gall bladder wall (arrow) suggesting emphysematous cholecystitis
Figure 10 (A,B)
Figure 10 (A,B)
Adenomyomatosis of the gall bladder: Axial USG image (A) shows an echogenic focus within the gallbladder wall producing a ‘V’-shaped comet tail reverberation artifact (arrow). MRCP image (B) in the same patient shows multiple diverticuli arising from the gall bladder wall (arrow) representing Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses

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