Clinical features and therapeutic approach for Xanthogranulomatous cholecystisis

Abstract

Despite advances in diagnostic imaging, it remains difficult to distinguish Xanthogranulomatous cholecystisis (XGC) from gallbladder cancer. However, this distinction is important to avoid over-surgery for XGC, which is a benign disease. We examined 15 cases of XGC in our department to identify factors associated with diagnosis and therapy. Findings that are strong indicators of XGC include: a history of moderate or severe cholecystitis attacks; an area of low absorption in the thickened gallbladder wall on contrast-enhanced CT; uniform imaging of the lumen surface; and a change in the image over a short period of time. These factors can be examined before surgery in cases in which it is difficult to distinguish XGC from gallbladder cancer. During surgery, it is important to make full use of pathological diagnosis to avoid overly invasive surgery.