Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare form of acute cholecystitis. This condition is characterized by the presence of gas-forming bacteria in the gallbladder wall, lumen, and bile ducts. This disorder can have a variety of sonographic appearances. Recognition of the gas is important for sufficient treatment of this disease, which carries a high risk of mortality. Differential diagnoses and the results of previous studies of this condition are discussed.
1. Nemcek AA Jr, Gore RI, Vogelzang RL, Grant XM. The effervescent gallbladder: a sonographic sign of emphysematous cholecystitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol1988; 1 50:575577.
2.
2. Bloom RA, Fisher A, Pode D, Asaf Y. Shifting intramural gas: a new ultrasound sign of emphysematous cholecystitis. J (lin Ultrasound1984;12:40-42.
3.
3. Mentzer RM Jr, Golden GT, Chandler JG, Horsley JS. A comparitive appraisal of emphysematous cholecystitis. Am J Surg1975;29:10-15.