Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Gas-containing gallstones: An unusual radiologic clue in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis

Report of a case

  • Case Reports
  • Published:
The American Journal of Digestive Diseases Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Stellate gas patterns, in the region of the gallbladder, are highly suggestive of the presence of gas-containing gallstones. Recognition of this unusual roentgenographic sign can expedite clinical recognition of acute calculous cholecystitis. A case of this rare phenomenon is reported.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Carveth, S. W., Priestley, J. T., andGage, R. P. Size and number of gallstones in acute and chronic cholecystitis.Proc Mayo Clin 34:371, 1959.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Colcock, B. P., andMcManus, J. E. Experiences with 1356 cases of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.Surg Gynec Obstet 101:161, 1955.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Fulton, H. Gas-containing gallstones.Gastroenterology 28:862, 1955.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Lipshutz, B., andKaplan, L. Colon bacillus septicemia associated with acute cholecystitis.Surgery 10:730, 1941.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Williams, B., andMcLachlan, D. G. S. The aetiology of cholecystitis: Bacteriologic observations.Lancet 2:3, 1930.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Lester, L. J. Acute cholecystitis.Surgery 21: 675, 1947.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Pulaski, E. J., andFusillo, M. H. Gallbladder bile concentration of the major antibiotics following intravenous administration.Surg Gynec Obstet 100:571, 1955.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Edlund, U. S., Molistedt, B. P., andOuchterlony, O. Bacteriologic investigation of the biliary system and liver in biliary tract disease correlated to clinical data and microstructure of the gallbladder and liver.Acta Chir Scand 116:461, 1959.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Ortmayer, M., andConnelly, M. Star-shaped radiolucencies of gallstones: A rare roentgen sign.Radiology 38: 39, 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Johnstone, A. S. Stellate translucencies as a sign of gallstones.Brit J Radiol 17:352, 1944.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Schwarz, G. S. Gas-containing gallstones.Med Radiogr Photogr 28:72, 1952.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Breuer, B. Über ein neues Röntgensymptom der Gallensteinkrankheit.Roentgenpraxis 3:879, 1931.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Broden, B. On the occurrence of gas in gallstones.Acta Radiol (Stockholm) 23:413, 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Cancelino, J. J. Stellate fissuring in gallstones.Radiology 64:420, 1955.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Mark, L. K. Gas-containing gallstones.JAMA 170:1531, 1959.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Stoney, R. J., Combs, R. C, andObata, W. G. Gas-containing gallstones.Ann Surg 155:212, 1962.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Hay, H. R. C. Gas in gallstones.Gut 7:387, 1966.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Hinkel, C. L. Gas-containing biliary calculi.Amer J Roentgen 64:617, 1950.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Hinkel, C. L. Fissures in biliary calculi.Amer J Roentgen 71:979, 1954.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Departments of Gastroenterology and Radiology, Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, Md.

    Richard R. Babb M.D., Thomas B. Cockey III M.D. & Vernon M. Smith M.D.

Authors
  1. Richard R. Babb M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Thomas B. Cockey III M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Vernon M. Smith M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Supported by a grant from The John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc.

The authors wish to express their appreciation to Julius H. Goodman, M.D., for permission to report this case.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Babb, R.R., Cockey, T.B. & Smith, V.M. Gas-containing gallstones: An unusual radiologic clue in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Digest Dis Sci 12, 1067–1072 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233267

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233267

Keywords

Search

Navigation