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Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones)
Alternate Names : Cholecystitis - Acute, Gallstones - Acute Cholecyctitis
Definition Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder, which obstruct the duct leading from the gallbladder to the common bile duct (which drains into the intestine). Severe illness, alcohol abuse and, rarely, tumors of the gallbladder can also cause cholecystitis.
The trapped bile becomes concentrated and causes irritation and pressure build-up in the gallbladder. This can lead to bacterial infection and perforation. The attack may follow a large or fatty meal.
Gallstones occur more frequently in women than men, and it becomes more common with age in both sexes. Native Americans have a higher incidence of gallstones.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Symptoms & Signs
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Prevention
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Diagnosis & Tests
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Treatment
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Prognosis
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones): Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cholelithiasis
• Empyema
• Pancreatitis
• Peritonitis
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• Abdominal Film
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• CBC
• Gall Bladder Radionuclide Scan
• Oral Cholecystogram
• WBC Count
Surgery & Procedures
• Gallbladder Removal
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Acute
• Bile
• Palpation
Review Date : 11/18/2002
Reviewed By : James P. Dolan, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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