Final answer:
Acute cholecystitis is marked by fever, malaise, anemia, abdominal pain, and transaminitis, with potential complications such as cholangitis, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. Imaging techniques include abdominal ultrasound, X-ray, CT scans, and HIDA scans, which aid in the diagnosis and assessment of cholecystitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute Cholecystitis Signs, Symptoms, and Imaging
Acute cholecystitis is characterized by several signs and symptoms (S&Sx) which include fever, malaise, potential anemia, and abdominal symptoms such as pain. In addition, patients may experience transaminitis indicating liver inflammation. Complications or related conditions can include cholangitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and the development of gallstones in chronic cases.
When it comes to imaging for acute cholecystitis, several modalities are used. An abdominal ultrasound is primarily used to detect gallstones and can also show the presence of an abscess or a pancreatic pseudocyst. An abdominal X-ray may reveal evidence of gallbladder disease. Computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images that can further aid in the diagnosis by visualizing the abdominal organs. Lastly, a HIDA scan, or cholescintigraphy, uses a radioactive material to assess gallbladder function and is useful in the diagnosis and assessment of cholecystitis.