Acute Cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by obstruction of the cystic duct, most commonly due to gallstones. Key clinical points include: 1) Symptoms often include right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. 2) Diagnosis is usually confirmed through imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans. 3) Complications can include perforation, abscess formation, or pancreatitis. 4) Treatment often involves surgical intervention, typically laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 5) Risk factors include obesity, female gender, and rapid weight loss. The pathophysiology involves bile accumulation leading to inflammation and potential necrosis of the gallbladder wall. Clinical presentation may vary, but acute onset of symptoms is common, necessitating prompt medical attention.