Gallbladder volvulus

Case contributed by Krister Askaner
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sudden abdominal pain. Nausea and vomit. No fever. Recently significant loss of weight. Elevated CRP and WBC. Midline palpable resistance .

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Female
ct

Enlarged oedematous gall bladder with wall thickening. The gall bladder is located outside its normal anatomic position and is horizontally orientated, a so called "free floating gall bladder". Slightly dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Evidence of kyphoscoliosis and thin patient

Case Discussion

Surgery revealed a large necrotic gallbladder which was twisted 180° anticlockwise.

Gallbladder volvulus is a relatively rare condition and often not described pre-surgically.

Risk factors are described as follows:

  • old age
  • female gender (3:1)
  • thin patient
  • kyphoscoliosis

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