The interruption of blood flow to the gallbladder is caused by blockage of a vein (terminal artery) and often leads to removal of the organ. The study was published in the journal BMJ eGastroenterology.
Gallbladder inflammation is most often caused by stones in the organ. Ischemic cholecystitis is a form of gallbladder inflammation caused by insufficient blood flow to the organ. In a new study, scientists from the University of California, San Francisco analyzed the causes of this disease. They discovered the vulnerability of the gallbladder – it is supplied with blood by a single artery. If it is blocked, the organ cannot receive nutrients and oxygen.
Treatment of ischemic cholecystitis involves surgical removal of the gallbladder. This is the only way to prevent relapses that are common with this disease. Another treatment option is the percutaneous insertion of a catheter (drain) that restores blood flow to the organ.
Researchers also found that ischemic cholecystitis was more common in critically ill patients. This is because such patients often suffer from hypovolemia (decrease in blood volume). This increases the risk of poor blood flow to the organ and inflammation.
The results of the study are important for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic cholecystitis. Because ischemic cholecystitis is often difficult to diagnose, it may be confused with another disease such as sepsis (“blood poisoning”) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This can lead to delayed treatment and worse patient outcomes. Therefore, doctors need to be able to distinguish ischemic cholecystitis, which is a rare but serious disease.
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