[Acute emphysematous cholecystitis]

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare form of acute cholecystitis, characterized radiographically by the presence of gas within the gallbladder. We report of a patient, who was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of acute abdomen. This patient had an emphysematous cholecystitis caused by Clostridium perfringens. We found the wall of the gallbladder emphysematous and gangrenous, the gallbladder was distended and contained purulent material, but no stones. However, in addition, the films of abdomen showed gas in the ducts. Diagnosis, pathogenesis and the aetiological and therapeutical aspects will be discussed.