Rapid Style Questions Flashcards
(248 cards)
What is the most common cause of acute cholecystitis?
Gallstones obstructing the cystic duct
Which physical exam finding is classically associated with acute cholecystitis?
Murphy’s Sign
Murphy’s Sign: RUQ pain/tenderness with deep palpation during inspiration (halts inspiration)
What is the first-line imaging modality for suspected acute cholecystitis?
Abdominal Ultrasound
Transabdominal gallbladder US is best test to detect gallstones and evaluate GB disease
* Ultrasonographic Murphy sign: local abdominal tenderness over GB
* Pericholecystic fluid and GB wall thickening indicates acute inflammation
Classically CT scans are done in the ED, but they are not first-line nor the best test in diagnosing acute cholecystitis
Why is a transabdominal ultrasound superior to CT scans in diagnosing acute cholecystitis?
- Visualization of Gallbladder Wall and Structures: US is superior when visualizing the GB and detecting its thickening, which is a key indicator of acute cholecystitis
- Reproduction of Murphy’s Sign
- Non-invasive and is a quick test in the ED
Although labs can be normal in acute cholecystitis, what are some common labatory findings?
- Elevated WBC
- LFT’s normal to slightly elevated
- Elevated bilirubin and alk phos
- Lipase
What is the initial management for a patient presenting with acute cholecystitis?
IV Fluids, antibiotics, and pain control
What surgical procedure is commonly performed for acute cholecystitis?
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Earlier is better, within 24-48 hours is ideal
Which antibiotic is commonly used for treating acute cholecystitis?
Piperacillin-tazobactam or ceftriaxone w/metronidazole
What complication occurs when the gallbladder wall becomes ischemic and necrotic?
Gangrenous cholecystitis
What is the role of a HIDA scan in diagnosing acute cholecystitis?
To confirm diagnosis when ultrasound findings are equivocal
What finding on ultrasound is indicative of acute cholecystitis?
Gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, and a positive Murphy’s sign
Positive Murphy’s sign reproduced during exam
What is a non-surgical alternative procedure for acute cholecystitis when surgery is contraindicated?
Percutaneous cholecystostomy
A percutaneous cholecystostomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to drain the gallbladder, typically performed in patients with acute cholecystitis who are not candidates for immediate surgery.
What is the common pathogen of acute cholecystitis?
What is the typical duration of abx treatment?
E. coli
5-7 days post surgery
What imaging finding is described as a “porcelain gallbladder” and why is it significant?
Calcification of the gallbladder wall, significant because it can be associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer
What is the name of the condition where a stone obstructs the common bile duct, often presenting with jaundice?
Choledocholithiasis
What is the typical cause of chronic cholecystitis?
What are common symptoms of chronic cholecystitis?
Repeated episodes of acute cholecystitis or chronic irritation caused by gallstones
Intermittent RUQ pain, nausea, and bloating (especially after fatty meal
What is the typical imaging finding in chronic cholecysitits?
Thickened gallbladder wall and presence of gallstones
Are LFT’s elevated in chronic cholecystitis?
No, they are usually normal as well as white blood cell counts
These can be normal or elevated in acute cholecystitis
What is the definitive treatment for chronic cholecystitis?
Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder)
Are men or women more affected by chronic cholecystitis?
Women (Middle-aged)
What is a common complication of untreated chronic cholecystitis?
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gallstone ileus
How does chronic cholecystitis differ from acute cholecystitis in terms of presentation?
Chronic cholecystitis presents with intermittent and less severe symptoms compared to the acute, severe pain and systemic symptoms of acute cholecystitis
What dietary modification can help manage symptoms of chronic cholecystitis?
Because what type of gallstone are most common in chronic cholecystitis?
Reducing Fatty Foods
Cholesterol gallstones
What type of cholelithiasis (gallstone) is related to cirrhosis?
Black Stones