Torsion of the gallbladder in pregnancy. A case report
Kleiss, K.; Choy-Hee, L.; Fogle, R.; Lindsay, M.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 48(3): 206-208
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 12698782 Document Number: 554260
BACKGROUND: Gallbladder torsion is rarely diagnosed in pregnancy, but prompt surgical intervention is necessary to avoid possible sepsis and death. CASE: A 28-year-old, African American woman at 306/7 weeks' gestation was admitted with the presumed diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. The patient was treated conservatively. However, on re-examination, the patient's physical examination and laboratory values worsened. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a twisted gallbladder. A cholecystectomy was performed after untwisting of the gallbladder. Postoperatively the patient did well and subsequently delivered a healthy infant at 38 2/7 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: Surgical evaluation of an acute abdomen in pregnancy should not be delayed. For a presumed diagnosis of acute cholecystitis that does not improve after conservative measures are taken, gallbladder torsion should be added to the differential diagnosis.