Ultrasound diagnosis of pericholecystic abscess due to acute cholecystitis

ABSTRACT

Of a total of 57 cases of acute cholecystitis, 11 [19.3%] had a pericholecystic abscess. Three types of abscesses were recognized. Eight were intrahepatic, two intramural [intracholecystic] and one was of the intra-abdominal-cavity type. These abscesses occurred in conjunction with acute cholecystitis. One patient had no evidence of stones six patients had cholelithiasis and one had choledocholithiosis. Five of the eight intrahepatic abscesses resolved and in these patients delayed surgery was appropriate. Three patients needed ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage in one of these a, communication between the gall bladder and abscess was demonstrated. Close follow-up of intramural abscesses allowed delayed surgery in one patient and indicated need for early intervention in the other. The single intra abdominal abscess was subjected to early surgery