A 65-year-old woman is admitted with RUQ pain radiating to the right shoulder, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Examination reveals tenderness in the RUQ and a positive Murphy's sign. A diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is made. What is the most likely finding?
Stones are found in the gallbladder in over 90% of patients with cholecystitis. Bacteria are cultured in bile in about half the patients undergoing surgery; however, many patients have previously received antibiotics. The gallbladder is usually distended in patients with acute cholecystitis but contracted in chronic cholecystitis.
Serum bilirubin levels may be elevated.
Cholelithiasis is present in 40-60%.
Bacteria are rarely found at operation.
An elevated amylase level excludes this diagnosis.
Pancreas