Acute acalculous cholecystitis in a patient with dengue fever: A case report

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

and importance: Although dengue fever classically presents with fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and vomiting, it can have unusual manifestations like acalculous cholecystitis. The study highlights the importance of atypical presentations of dengue fever in suspecting dengue earlier, especially during outbreaks.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case of a 29 years old female who presented with fever for 5 days which was associated with headache, body ache, vomiting, and abdominal pain in the right hypochondriac region. Lab results came positive for dengue NS1 antigen, and ultrasonography showed features suggestive of acalculous cholecystitis. She was managed conservatively after which her symptoms resolved gradually.

Clinical discussion

Acute acalculous cholecystitis in dengue could be due to increased vascular permeability leading to edematous thickening of the gall bladder wall. It should be suspected if a patient presents with fever, right upper quadrant pain, abnormal liver function tests, and thickened gall bladder wall without stones on abdominal ultrasonography.

Conclusion

Acute acalculous cholecystitis is an atypical presentation of dengue fever. Awareness of atypical presentations of dengue helps in identifying dengue earlier and preventing complications. Highlights • Dengue fever is caused by Dengue virus and transmitted by bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.• Atypical manifestations include hepatitis, acalculous cholecystitis, pleural effusion, acute renal failure, encephalitis, myocarditis, and bleeding gastric ulcers.• Ultrasonography is an important modality for early diagnosis whenever clinical picture of acalculous cholecystitis is confusing.• Dengue is usually a self-limited condition and acute acalculous cholecystitis usually can be managed conservatively unless complicated by diffuse peritonitis.

SUBMITTER: Gurung S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9793262 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature