Acute acalculous cholecystitis during the course of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection: a new case and a review of the literature

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis occurring in the course of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. METHODS: The clinical features of the case were analyzed and compared to those of three other similar cases reported in the international literature. RESULTS: All cases occurred in European females with cholestatic hepatitis, presented with gallbladder wall thickening, and recovered uneventfully without the need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Acute acalculous cholecystitis may occur during the course of acute EBV infection, especially in patients with cholestatic hepatitis. Clinicians should be aware of the possible involvement of the gallbladder during EBV infection to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures or the overuse of antibiotics.