J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  1997 Jun;16(2):131-134.

Gallbladder Wall Thickening in Patients with Scrub Typhus: US Findings

• Kim EN
• Chun KA
• Kim YJ
• Lee SH
• Yoon YD
• Kim SH
• Kim HB
• Park SH
• Shinn KS

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical significance and possible etiology of sonographically observed GB (gallbladder) wall thickening in patients with ST (scrub typhus). MATERIALS & METHODS: The study included 69 patients with proven ST who underwent abdominal sonograms. We measured the GB wall thickness and concomitant determination of serum albumin level was obtained in all patients. The relationship of GB wall thickness and serum albumin level was evaluated.
RESULTS
Sixteen (23.1%) of 69 patients with ST had even and diffuse thickening of GB wall greater than 4 mm. Fourteen of 16 patients (89%) with GB wall thickening had more than moderate degree of hypoalbuminemia (< 3.0 g/dL). GB wall thickening in patients with ST had close relation to hypoalbuminemia (x2, P< 0.01).
CONCLUSION
In the patients with severe abdominal pain and GB wall thickening in endemic areas on endemic season, ST should be listed as the one possible cause of GB wall thickening in order to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention that may be even harmful to these patients.

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Gallbladder*
Humans
Hypoalbuminemia
Incidence
Scrub Typhus*
Seasons
Serum Albumin
Serum Albumin