What is cholecystitis?

• A. Inflammation of the gallbladder
• B. Inflammation of the liver
• C. Infection of the pancreas
• D. Inflammation of the small intestine

Answer: (A)

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, and when a gallstone or other blockage blocks the cystic duct, bile can’t exit properly, causing irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder wall. This condition is most often acute and presents with right upper abdominal pain that may be linked to meals rich in fat, along with fever, nausea, and sometimes a positive Murphy sign on examination. Lab tests may show an elevated white blood cell count, and imaging—usually an ultrasound—often reveals gallstones and a thickened gallbladder wall. Treatment typically includes fluids, antibiotics, and, frequently, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) to prevent recurrence or complications such as infection or perforation. Inflammation of the liver would be hepatitis, inflammation of the pancreas would be pancreatitis, and inflammation of the small intestine would be enteritis.