Acute cholecystitis pathophysiology

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

The exact pathogenesis of [disease name] is not fully understood.

OR

It is thought that [disease name] is the result of / is mediated by / is produced by / is caused by either [hypothesis 1], [hypothesis 2], or [hypothesis 3].

OR

[Pathogen name] is usually transmitted via the [transmission route] route to the human host.

OR

Following transmission/ingestion, the [pathogen] uses the [entry site] to invade the [cell name] cell.

OR

[Disease or malignancy name] arises from [cell name]s, which are [cell type] cells that are normally involved in [function of cells].

OR

The progression to [disease name] usually involves the [molecular pathway].

OR

The pathophysiology of [disease/malignancy] depends on the histological subtype.

Pathophysiology

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of acute cholecystitis involves the following:

• Inflammation of the gallbladder is termed as cholecystitis. The development of acute cholecystitis involves the mechanical obstruction of the gallbladder (usually the cystic duct) or the gallbladder stasis.
  • Obstruction of the gallbladder:
    • Gallstones are the most common cause of physical obstruction of the gallbladder usually at the neck or in the cystic duct. The obstruction causes an increased pressure as the gallbladder mucosa continues to produce mucus. This raised pressure may cause the venous stasis which is followed by the arterial stasis. Eventually, the raised pressure and stasis leads to the gallbladder ischemia and necrosis.
      • The formation of gallstones is dependant on the following factors:
        • Cholesterol supersaturation in the bile
        • Crystal nucleation
        • Gallbladder dysmotility
        • Gallbladder absorption
      • There are two major types of gallstones:
        • Cholesterol gallstones:
          • Cholesterol gallstones are the most predominant form of the gallstones. They account for approximately 80% of the total gallstones.
        • Pigmented gallstones:
          • There are two types of pigmented gallstones.
            • Black stones
              • Black stones consist of calcium bilirubinate and mucin glycoproteins.
              • Black stones are predominantly associated with hemolytic conditions or cirrhosis (as a result of increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin).
              • These stones are usually located in the gallbladder.
            • Brown stones
              • Brown stones are usually associated with bacterial infection.
              • Brown stones are usually located elsewhere in the biliary tree as opposed to the gallbladder.
    • Mechanical obstruction of the gallbladder as a result of polyps, malignancy, an infestation of the gallbladder with parasites, foreign bodies, and trauma may also lead to the acute cholecystitis.
  • Gallbladder stasis:

The process is one of physical obstruction of the gallbladder by a gallstone or biliary sludge, at the neck or in the cystic duct. This obstruction results in increased pressure in the gallbladder. There are two factors which determine the progression to acute cholecystitis — the degree of obstruction and the duration of the obstruction. If the obstruction is partial and of short duration the patient experiences biliary colic. If the obstruction is complete and of long duration the patient develops acute cholecystitis. If the patient does not receive early treatment, the disease becomes more serious and complications occur.

Genetics

• [Disease name] is transmitted in [mode of genetic transmission] pattern.
• Genes involved in the pathogenesis of [disease name] include [gene1], [gene2], and [gene3].
• The development of [disease name] is the result of multiple genetic mutations.

Gross Pathology

• On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].

Microscopic Pathology

• On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].