Gallbladder hemorrhage–An uncommon surgical emergency: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder hemorrhage is a life-threatening disorder. Trauma (accidental or iatrogenic such as a percutaneous biopsy or cholecystectomy surgery), cholelithiasis, biliary tract parasitosis, vasculitis, vascular malformations, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases and coagulopathies have been described as causes of hemorrhage within the lumen of the gallbladder. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants may represent a risk factor.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case of a 76-year-old male patient. An urgent contrast computed tomography scan demonstrated relevant distension of the gallbladder filled with hyperdense non-homogeneous content. The gallbladder walls were of regular thickness. Near the anterior wall a focus of suspected active bleeding was observed. Due to the progressive decrease in hemoglobin despite three blood transfusions, this was an indication for urgent surgery.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of this potentially fatal pathology is essential in order to plan a strategy and eventually proceed with urgent surgical treatment.

Keywords: Gallbladder; Hemorrhage; Anticoagulants; Cholecystectomy; Surgery; Case report

Core Tip: Gallbladder hemorrhage is an uncommon life-threatening disorder. There are many causes of this condition: trauma, cholelithiasis, biliary tract parasitosis, vasculitis, vascular malformations, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases and coagulopathies. We report the case of a 76-year-old male patient. An urgent contrast computed tomography scan demonstrated relevant distension of the gallbladder filled with hyperdense non-homogeneous content and a focus of suspected active bleeding. The patient underwent urgent surgery to stop the hemorrhage. Early diagnosis of this insidious and potentially fatal pathology is essential to plan the best treatment strategy for patients.