Emphysematous cholecystitis is most commonly seen in which patient population?

Emphysematous cholecystitis is most commonly seen in which patient population?

• A. Non-diabetic elderly
• B. Diabetics
• C. Pediatric patients
• D. Pregnant women

Answer: (B)

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a gas-forming infection of the gallbladder that occurs most often in older adults with diabetes. Diabetes provides a glucose-rich environment and impaired tissue perfusion, which together favor growth of gas-producing organisms and lead to gas within the gallbladder wall and lumen. Because of these risk factors, diabetics are the population in which this condition most commonly presents. While non-diabetic elderly, pediatric patients, or pregnant women can develop gallbladder infection, the diabetic state is the strongest predictor for this emphysematous variant.

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a gas-forming infection of the gallbladder that occurs most often in older adults with diabetes. Diabetes provides a glucose-rich environment and impaired tissue perfusion, which together favor growth of gas-producing organisms and lead to gas within the gallbladder wall and lumen. Because of these risk factors, diabetics are the population in which this condition most commonly presents. While non-diabetic elderly, pediatric patients, or pregnant women can develop gallbladder infection, the diabetic state is the strongest predictor for this emphysematous variant.