Spontaneous rupture of the cystic duct during pregnancy

A patient with an acute abdomen during pregnancy is reported. It was due to perforation of the cystic duct by a cholesterol gallstone. A cholecystectomy and T-tube drainage resulted in recovery and normal delivery twelve weeks after operation. The presence of gallstones, their location at the weakest point of the cystic duct, and the possible hemodynamic changes (as there is a higher pressure in the vena cava) occurring during pregnancy, are discussed as possible causes of this acute abdominal condition.