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.