Acute acalculous cholecystitis: from common to rare causes

Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of acute calculous cholecystitis are well defined. Cholecystectomy is among the most frequently performed surgical interventions. In contrast, acute acalculous cholecystitis is a secondary condition; its cause may be difficult to determine and indication for surgical intervention has not been clearly established. The authors summarize the primary causes of acute acalculous cholecystitis and discuss ultrasonographic features which may help the decision to perform cholecystectomy in patients with acalculous cholecystitis.