Acute acalculous cholecystitis associated with aortic dissection: report of a case

Acute acalculous cholecystitis is uncommon, but not rare. Classically, this disease is observed in the intensive care unit associated with major trauma, burns, or surgery. Moreover, comorbidity such as infection, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus is often found. Although the exact pathogenesis is still not fully understood, it may be multifactorial and ischemia seems to play a central role. We herein report an unusual case of acute alithiasic cholecystitis predisposing to a de Bakey type III aortic dissection. A 57-year-old man was referred to our hospital for investigation of persistent right upper abdominal pain with tenderness and fever, associated with a newly diagnosed aortic dissection treated conservatively. The diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis, which is often difficult to establish, was particularly delayed. An open cholecystectomy was performed, revealing a preperforating gangrenous gallbladder without any stones. The patient was discharged from hospital 9 days postoperatively without any early or late complications. No operative treatment for the aortic dissection was needed.