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Acalculous cholecystitis after bone marrow transplantation in adults with acute leukaemia. Case report
P Pitkäranta1, R Haapiainen, M Taavitsainen
1Department of Radiology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Acalculous cholecystitis occurred in three adults post-bone marrow transplant for acute leukaemia. Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) led to uncomplicated recovery in all patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Hematology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a critical treatment for acute leukaemia.
- Complications following BMT can affect various organ systems.
- Acalculous cholecystitis, gallbladder inflammation without stones, is a rare but serious condition.
Observation:
- Three adult patients with acute leukaemia developed acalculous cholecystitis shortly after undergoing BMT.
- Diagnostic ultrasonography confirmed the presence of cholecystitis in all affected individuals.
- Patients presented with progressive clinical symptoms indicative of gallbladder inflammation.
Findings:
- Despite significant cytopenias (anaemia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia) common post-BMT, all three patients underwent cholecystectomy.
- The surgical intervention for acalculous cholecystitis was successfully performed in this cohort.
- All patients experienced uncomplicated postoperative recovery following gallbladder removal.
Implications:
- Acalculous cholecystitis is a potential post-BMT complication in acute leukaemia patients.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management (cholecystectomy) can be safe and effective, even with significant cytopenias.
- This suggests that aggressive management of cholecystitis is feasible and beneficial in select BMT recipients.
Abstract:
In three adults with acute leukaemia, acalculous cholecystitis was diagnosed with ultrasonography soon after bone marrow transplantation. The clinical picture of cholecystitis was progressive, and cholecystectomy was performed in all cases despite anaemia, granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated.