CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Background
The existence of a close association between disease of the biliary tract and heart's disease is known from the mists of time. Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a challenging diagnosis. The atypical clinical onset associated to a paucity and similarity of symptoms and to laboratory data mimicking cardiovascular disease (CVD) often results in under and misdiagnosed cases. Moreover, AAC is often associated with gangrene, perforation and empyema as well as considerable morbidity and mortality(up 50%). Early diagnosis is crucial to increase survivability. Even today, there is still a lot of confusion regarding the relationship and consequently the clinical management AAC and CVD.
Aim
The aim of this review was to provide evidence regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of the complex association between AAC and CVD. Methods we searched for publications addressing Acalculous cholecystitis and cardiovascular disease, consulting Medline and Scopus databases. Any retrospective or prospective study design or systematic review focusing on the aforementioned topic was accepted. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA and AMSTAR Guidelines. Our search rendered 1422 hits (995 from Medline and 427 from Scopus). After progressive screening, 268 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 135 studies were included in qualitative synthesis.
Results
According to the literature, 11 cases of AAC were reported after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Similarly, in 6 of 7 patients following aortic reconstruction. Small vessel occlusion has shown to be the predominant phenomenon in AAC. Histological analysis suggest involvement of ischaemia and reperfusion mediated injury. The most common ECG alterations noted in AAC are changes in T waves in significant leads, slurring and notching of the QRS complex and elevation or depression of the S-T segment, hypothesizing a vagally reflex mechanism, due to the distention of the common bile duct, with a reduced coronary blood flow. Finally it was reported a resolution of ECG changes due to AAC after cholecystectomy or antibiotic treatment within a few days.
Conclusion
AAC should be suspected after each general disease leading to hypoperfusion such as cardiovascular diseases and major heart or aortic surgery. ECG changes in absence of significant laboratory data for IMA could be related to a misdiagnosed AAC.