# Gallbladder Volvulus Masquerading as Gastric Volvulus: A Diagnostic Challenge in an Elderly Patient With Complex Abdominal Anatomy

## TL;DR

An elderly patient's gallbladder volvulus was initially mistaken for gastric volvulus, highlighting the difficulty in diagnosing rare abdominal conditions.

## Contribution

The case presents a rare diagnostic challenge of gallbladder volvulus mimicking gastric volvulus in an elderly patient.

## Key findings

- Gallbladder volvulus can mimic gastric volvulus in patients with hiatal hernias.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy is crucial for accurate diagnosis in complex abdominal cases.
- Gallbladder volvulus can lead to gangrenous cholecystitis if misdiagnosed.

## Abstract

An 88-year-old female presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain and vomiting, initially diagnosed with gastric volvulus due to a large hiatal hernia. Intraoperative findings revealed gallbladder volvulus instead, leading to gangrenous cholecystitis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of gallbladder volvulus, its potential to mimic other acute abdominal conditions, and the importance of considering this rare entity in elderly patients with complex medical histories. The report emphasizes the value of maintaining a high index of suspicion and the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in clarifying complex abdominal pathologies.