ACUTE GANGRENOUS CHOLECYSTITIS: ETIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND GENERAL TREATMENT MEASURES

Acute gangrenous cholecystitis (AGC) is a severe and potentially fatal complication of acute cholecystitis, characterized by ischemic necrosis and gangrene of the gallbladder wall. It occurs more commonly in elderly patients, individuals with diabetes mellitus, and critically ill patients. Delayed diagnosis significantly increases the risk of gallbladder perforation, sepsis, and mortality. Early identification using clinical evaluation, laboratory parameters, and imaging modalities followed by timely surgical intervention is essential for favorable outcomes. This review discusses the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and general treatment strategies for acute gangrenous cholecystitis.