The blockage of blood flow to the gallbladder stems from obstruction of a single terminal artery, a disruption that frequently necessitates removal of the organ. The finding appeared in the BMJ eGastroenterology journal.
Gallbladder inflammation is commonly driven by stones within the organ. Ischemic cholecystitis represents a form of inflammation caused by insufficient blood supply to the gallbladder. A recent study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco examined the roots of this condition and uncovered a striking vulnerability: the gallbladder relies on one main artery for its blood supply. When that artery is blocked, the organ loses both nutrients and oxygen, triggering inflammation and damage.
Treatment for ischemic cholecystitis typically involves surgical removal of the gallbladder to prevent recurrent episodes, which are a known risk with this condition. An alternative approach uses percutaneous catheter drainage to help restore blood flow to the gallbladder and reduce ischemic injury.
The research also indicated that ischemic cholecystitis occurs more often among critically ill patients. In these cases, a reduced blood volume, or hypovolemia, compounds the risk of poor perfusion to the gallbladder and heightens inflammatory responses.
The study’s findings hold practical value for diagnosing and treating ischemic cholecystitis. Because the condition can be difficult to distinguish from other serious illnesses, including sepsis or pancreatitis, it may lead to delays in care and poorer outcomes if not recognized promptly. Clinicians are urged to consider ischemic cholecystitis as a potential diagnosis when patients present with compatible symptoms, particularly in the critically ill population.
Note: an older reference mentions a physician’s name in a discussion about unexpected risks associated with alcohol consumption, which is not related to the current medical discussion.