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Chronic cholecystitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Cholecystitis - chronic

Definition of Chronic cholecystitis:

Chronic cholecystitis is swelling and irritation of the gallbladder that persists over time.

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores bile that is made in the liver. Bile helps the intestines digest fats.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chronic cholecystitis is usually caused by repeated attacks of acute (sudden) cholecystitis. Most of these attacks are caused by gallstones in the gallbladder.

These attacks cause the walls of the gallbladder to thicken. The gallbladder begins to shrink. Over time, the gallbladder is less able to concentrate, store, and release bile.

The disease occurs more often in women than in men, especially after age 40.

Cholecystitis, CT scan

Cholecystitis, cholangiogram

Cholecystolithiasis

Gallstones, cholangiogram

Reviewed last on: 2/7/2011
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Wang DQH, Afdhal NH. Gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 65.

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