Acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Abstract

Acalculous cholecystitis is a rare entity, typically only presenting in patients with chronic illness and other comorbidities. For this reason, it is very rare in children and upon diagnosis, efforts should be made to search for an underlying cause or predisposition. Although typically treated with cholecystectomy, in rare cases appropriate identification and treatment of the underlying cause can lead to resolution of symptoms without surgery. We present the case of a 4 year old girl who presented to the emergency department with acute acalculous cholecystitis and sepsis who was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Treatment with atovaquone-proguanil regimen resulted in complete resolution of her illness without the need for surgical intervention. Keywords: Acute acalculous cholecystitis, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, Pediatric