Staphylococcal Gangrenous Cholecystitis: A Case Report
Anandu Mathews Anto1, George Sarin Zacharia2, Maria Jaquez Duran1
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, BronxCare Health System, New York City, New York, USA, bronxcare.org.
Abstract:
Gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe and potentially fatal complication of acute cholecystitis, typically resulting from ischemic necrosis of the gallbladder wall secondary to sustained obstruction and inflammation. We present a rare case of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus-associated gangrenous cholecystitis with bacteremia in an elderly female without identifiable risk factors for staphylococcal infection. The patient was treated with antibiotics and emergent percutaneous cholecystostomy. This case highlights the need to consider infrequent pathogens, such as S. aureus, in patients with severe cholecystitis, particularly when clinical deterioration persists despite standard empirical therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt multidisciplinary management remain the key to a favorable outcome in this medically complex patient.
Insights
Gangrenous cholecystitis can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This rare case in an elderly woman without risk factors emphasizes considering unusual pathogens in severe cholecystitis for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis.
- It typically results from gallbladder wall necrosis due to obstruction and inflammation.
- Staphylococcus aureus is an infrequent cause of this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus-associated gangrenous cholecystitis with bacteremia.
- To highlight the importance of considering uncommon pathogens in severe cholecystitis.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of an elderly female patient.
- Treatment involved antibiotics and emergent percutaneous cholecystostomy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with gangrenous cholecystitis and bacteremia due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.
- She had no identifiable risk factors for staphylococcal infection.
- Successful treatment with antibiotics and percutaneous cholecystostomy was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe cholecystitis, especially with persistent clinical deterioration.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for favorable outcomes in complex cases.
