Emphysematous cholecystitis: A report of three cases

Background: Emphysematous cholecystitis (EC) is a rare presentation of acute cholecystitis. Material and methods: We report three cases of EC in two men and one woman between 55 and 79 years. One of the patients was otherwise healthy while the other two were diabetics. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed in all the cases. Two patients underwent video-Assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy with favorable outcome and one patient underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy. Discussion: Emphysematous cholecystitis is characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder lumen or wall. Mortality rate is 50%. Most patients are diabetics, but EC may present in younger patients without risk factors. Computed tomography scan is the method of choice for the diagnosis. Cholecystectomy is indicated as definite treatment, but percutaneous cholecystostomy may be a valid option. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and antibiotics are effective and safe to treat.