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Lars Johnson Case

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Upon review of Mr. Lars Johnson’s physical exam in the emergency room (ER), laboratory results, abdominal ultrasound, and computerized tomography (CT) scan, I diagnosed Mr. Johnson with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC).

Mr. Johnson’s reason for driving himself to the emergency room and the symptoms he is experiencing in conjunction with test, and lab results led me to this conclusion. Johnson noticed pain from his epigastric region, radiating to the right shoulder and scapular region. During his emergency room physical exam the physician noted, palpation of the epigastric region demonstrated tenderness with guarding, an above normal body temperature, increased blood pressure, as well as an increased heart rate. The increase in body temperature can be linked to a gallbladder infection. The pain Mr. Johnson is feeling radiating to the …show more content…

When a cystic duct is continuously obstructed inflammation occurs. Bile stasis triggers release of inflammatory enzymes and can be caused by fasting, obstruction, postsurgical/procedural irritation or ileus (total parenteral nutrition [TPN]), which can lead to bile inspissation that is directly toxic to the gallbladder epithelium. The damaged mucosa secretes more fluid into the gallbladder lumen than it absorbs. The resulting distention further releases inflammatory mediators (eg, prostaglandins), worsening mucosal damage and causing ischemia, all of which prolong inflammation and can cause a bacterial infection to occur later. The malicious circle of fluid secretion and inflammation leads to necrosis and perforation if it goes unchecked. If acute inflammation resolves then continues to recur, the gallbladder becomes fibrotic and contracted and does not concentrate bile or empty normally which is a feature of chronic cholecystitis. (Huffman, J. et al.,

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