Acalculous candidal cholecystitis: a previously unrecognized complication after cardiac transplantation

Acalculous cholecystitis is a life-threatening complication in critically ill surgical patients. Whereas Candida albicans and Torulopsis glabrata have been reported as the primary pathogens in 14 previous cases of acalculous cholecystitis, we report the first case of Candida parapsilosis as a biliary pathogen in a patient after cardiac transplantation. Although cardiac transplant recipients often have many of the risk factors for acalculous candidal cholecystitis, including major surgery, immunosuppression, antibiotic therapy, parenteral nutrition, and prolonged intensive care unit stay, this entity has not been previously reported in the cardiac transplant population. Although rare, acalculous candidal cholecystitis is associated with very high morbidity and a mortality rate of 40%. Early diagnosis necessitates an aggressive approach to the critically ill patient with abdominal complaints. Prompt drainage or cholecystectomy, if possible, represent the mainstays of therapy and offer the greatest chance for survival.