Journal List > Korean J Gastroenterol > v.63(6) > 1007248

Jung and Lee: Clinical Review and Case Report of Ceftriaxone-associated Gallbladder Pseudolithiasis in Adult

Abstract

Although ceftriaxone can be used safely in most instances, it can sometimes induce biliary sludge or stone formation. Most of the patients remain asymptomatic and children are more susceptible to develop this condition, but adults can be affected as well. Because sludge or stones disappear after discontinuing ceftriaxone, this condition is referred to as ceftriaxone-associated pseudolithiasis. A 54-year-old woman was admitted to a local clinic for management of ileus. During admission, she had received ceftriaxone and metronidazole, and had been on nil per os for the past 6 days. She was then referred to our hospital for cholecystectomy due to persistent right upper quadrant pain. Although imaging studies showed gallbladder sludge, pseudolithiasis was suspected because of ceftriaxone administration history and prolonged fasting. After careful watch-and-wait, the condition resolved spontaneously after ceftriaxone discontinuation. Our clear understanding on ceftriaxone-associated gallbladder pseudolithiasis allowed us to avoid an unnecessary cholecystectomy. Herein, we report the case of a 54-year-old woman with ceftriaxone-associated gallbladder pseudolithiasis that was successfully managed by ceftriaxone discontinuation alone.

References

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Fig. 1.
Initial CT scan shows mild gallbladder wall thickening.
kjg-63-378f1.tif
Fig. 2.
Initial abdominal ultrasonogram shows gallbladder sludge and diffuse gallbladder wall thickening.
kjg-63-378f2.tif
Fig. 3.
Follow-up abdominal ultrasonogram shows a normal appearing gallbladder without sludge or stones.
kjg-63-378f3.tif
Table 1.
Demographics of Patients with Pseudolithiasis (n=15)
Variable Data
Age (yr) 58.06 (20–79)
Male/female 8/7
Associated disease  
Acute or chronic renal failure 5 (33.3)
Liver cirrhosis 2 (13.3)
Brain operation 2 (13.3)
Other infections 6 (40.0)
Abdominal pain  
(+) 4 (26.7)
(−) 13 (73.3)
Cholecystectomy  
(+) 2 (13.3)
(−) 13 (86.7)

Values are presented as n (range), n only, or n (%).

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