Gangrene Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Gangrene, including details on smoking, treatment, causes, amputation, necrosis.

Torsion of the gallbladder: a rare cause of acute cholecystitis.

Lemonick DM, Garvin R, Semins H

Department of Emergency Medicine, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, 4800 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

We present a case of acute torsion of the gallbladder in a young woman. Approximately 400 cases have been reported since 1898, mostly in elderly women, and the incidence appears to be increasing. The anatomy and pathophysiology that predispose patients to this rare surgical emergency are discussed. Several clinical and imaging findings can be used to distinguish gallbladder torsion from typical acute cholecystitis. By recognizing and treating gallbladder torsion early in its course, a low surgical morbidity and mortality can be achieved. The case presented highlights for emergency physicians some of the considerations in identification of patients with acute cholecystitis who are at highest risk of gangrene and perforation, their emergency treatment, and the timing of surgery.

Published 2 June 2006 in J Emerg Med, 30(4): 397-401.
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