Crucial Role of Sonographic Imaging in Early Detection of Emphysematous Cholecystitis

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that warrants immediate surgical intervention following diagnosis. This condition is associated with a high mortality rate; therefore, early detection is essential in order for intervention and treatment to ensure the best possible patient outcome. Visualization of air within the biliary system is the hallmark of emphysematous cholycystitis, and sonography has proven to be a noninvasive, sensitive imaging modality for detection of air within the biliary system. This case study presents a patient with emphysematous cholecystitis and the role that sonographic imaging had in its early detection and diagnosis.