Hepatobiliary scintigraphy in vasculitis of the gallbladder as a manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa: a case report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Polyarteritis nodosa can on rare occasions manifest itself as vasculitis of the gallbladder. Patients typically present with right upper quadrant pain and are initially worked up for cholecystitis. The definitive diagnosis is then usually based on surgical and histopathological findings. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case a 23-year-old Caucasian female presented with a 3 week history of right upper quadrant pain and fevers. CONCLUSION: The clinical pathway and imaging findings of a rare case of gallbladder vasculitis as a manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa are demonstrated.