Acute septic cholecystitis in patients with burn injuries

Acute cholecystitis continues to be a life-threatening complication in patients after trauma. In an 18-month period we have recognized and treated five patients with burn injuries who had acute cholecystitis. They ranged in age from 13 to 40 years. Four of the five patients had positive blood cultures and all five patients had positive bile cultures. The diagnosis was made on the basis of unexplained sepsis and an abnormal sonogram or hepatobiliary scan. Four patients underwent cholecystectomy and one patient underwent a cholecystostomy. Four patients survived and were discharged from the hospital. All five patients were receiving nutritional support. Factors such as prolonged fasting, dehydration, narcotic administration, and sepsis have been suggested as contributing factors in the development of acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis is a serious complication in such patients and must be considered and treated promptly. Serial ultrasound studies have been helpful in managing patients suspected of having acute septic cholecystitis.