Rethinking Cholecystitis: A Case Where Hiccups Told the Story

TL;DR

An elderly patient with acute cholecystitis showed only hiccups as symptoms, emphasizing the need for broad differential diagnosis in atypical cases.

Contribution

Presents a rare case of acute cholecystitis diagnosed through persistent hiccups in an elderly patient.

Findings

Acute cholecystitis can present with atypical symptoms like hiccups in elderly patients.

Conservative management resolved symptoms after imaging confirmed the diagnosis.

Broad differentials and prudent imaging are crucial for timely diagnosis in atypical cases.

Abstract

Acute cholecystitis due to inflammation of the gallbladder typically presents with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. However, elderly patients with comorbidities can present with atypical symptoms like generalized malaise or confusion, making diagnosis challenging. Here, we present a unique case of acute cholecystitis presenting solely with persistent hiccups. The diagnosis was confirmed with imaging, and it was managed conservatively with a resolution of hiccups. This highlights the importance of keeping broad differentials and using prudent imaging, especially in the elderly, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

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