Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis During Anticoagulant Therapy in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Hemorrhagic cholecystitis is a rare cause of abdominal pain that presents in traumatic settings, malignancy, and bleeding diathesis. Herein, we report a case of hemorrhagic cholecystitis during anticoagulant therapy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 61-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and melena during hospitalization for SLE. She had a history of SLE and APS before this episode. She was diagnosed with hemorrhagic cholecystitis by ultrasonography; computed tomography (CT); and duodenoscopy. CT revealed a distended gallbladder containing a hypodense material suggestive of blood. The duodenoscopy revealed blood-mixed bile appearing from the papilla. Following conservative treatment, hemostasis was confirmed, and an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed based on the diagnosis of hemorrhagic cholecystitis. The opening of the gallbladder revealed a large blood clot that gushed out, and multiple gallstones were also observed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient has remained healthy without any complications.