Traumatic rupture of the gallbladder

Findings

Contrast-enhanced CT shows the presence of pericholecystic fluid (Figure 1) as well as fluid in hepatorenal fossa (Figure 2). The gallbladder presents an ill-defined contour and appears partially contracted; an increase in attenuation in its lumen is compatible with blood (Figure 3). The rest of the examination was unremarkable, with the exception of the previous known posterior right hip dislocation.

CASE FOLLOW-UP

The patient was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy based on symptoms and positive peritoneal signs as well as imaging findings. On entering the peritoneum, a significant amount of bile was found. An approximately 4-cm laceration was noted in the inferior surface of the gallbladder (Figure 4). The gallbladder was surgically removed. There was no other traumatic injury in the abdomen. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged 5 days after the accident in stable condition.

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