American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the typical mortality rate for acute acalculous cholecystitis?

1. Less than 5%

2. Between 5% and 10%

3. Between 10% and 50%

4. Greater than 50%

The correct answer is: Between 10% and 50%

The typical mortality rate for acute acalculous cholecystitis tends to fall within the range of 10% to 50%. This condition frequently arises in critically ill patients or those with underlying diseases, which contributes to its elevated mortality rate. The lack of gallstones (which is what distinguishes it from calculous cholecystitis) makes it less detectable and prompts a later diagnosis, leading to higher complication rates. The challenge in managing acute acalculous cholecystitis often lies in its subtle presentation and the often poor overall health of the patients who develop it, further complicating treatment outcomes. Mortality rates can vary depending on factors such as patient demographics, underlying health conditions, and timeliness of intervention, but the generally accepted risk for mortality is indeed higher compared to other types of cholecystitis. Thus, the classification of the mortality rate in the range of 10% to 50% is consistent with clinical observations in medical literature.