WBC count may be normal in which type of cholecystitis?

WBC count may be normal in which type of cholecystitis?

• A. Acute
• B. Chronic
• C. Acalculous
• D. Emphysematous

Answer: (B)

WBC count reflects the body’s acute inflammatory response. In acute cholecystitis, the gallbladder is inflamed suddenly, so the white blood cell count is typically elevated as part of the rapid defense reaction. In chronic cholecystitis, inflammation is long-standing and low-grade, so the white blood cell count can stay normal or only mildly elevated. Therefore, the scenario where a normal WBC count may be seen is chronic cholecystitis. Remember that imaging findings and clinical history help confirm the diagnosis when labs aren’t dramatically abnormal.

WBC count reflects the body’s acute inflammatory response. In acute cholecystitis, the gallbladder is inflamed suddenly, so the white blood cell count is typically elevated as part of the rapid defense reaction. In chronic cholecystitis, inflammation is long-standing and low-grade, so the white blood cell count can stay normal or only mildly elevated. Therefore, the scenario where a normal WBC count may be seen is chronic cholecystitis. Remember that imaging findings and clinical history help confirm the diagnosis when labs aren’t dramatically abnormal.