Acalculous cholecystitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors associated with acalculous cholecystitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation and the role of repeat ultrasound examinations.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital, United States.

SUBJECTS

381 Patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation between 1987 and 1992.

INTERVENTIONS

Abdominal ultrasound examination (n = 134), repeat ultrasound in those considered to have acalculous cholecystitis (n = 8), and acute cholecystectomy (n = 5).

RESULTS

14 Patients (4%) with acalculous cholecystitis were identified. The 8 who had had liver tissue examined also had veno-occlusive disease of the liver. It was possible to follow progressing or resolving acalculous cholecystitis by repeat ultrasound examinations. 4 Of the 5 patients treated surgically survived, compared with 3 of the 9 not operated on.

CONCLUSIONS

Acalculous cholecystitis was associated with veno-occlusive disease of the liver. Repeat ultrasound examinations were valuable in showing progressing or resolving acalculous cholecystitis and may guide treatment. Cholecystectomy seems to be a safe procedure for acalculous cholecystitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.