Health & body · 2020
Could an inflamed gallbladder be linked to a dangerous heart rhythm?
In a 28-year-old man with acute calculous cholecystitis, an ECG suggested , which disappeared after gallbladder removal. The authors proposed a cardio-biliary reflex (Cope’s sign) as the explanation in this case.
Details
This case report describes a 28-year-old man who came to the emergency room after two episodes of syncope (fainting) at home over the previous 3 days. An electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in the emergency room suggested complete heart block.
He also had a history of intermittent pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of his abdomen after meals. Abdominal ultrasonography was advised and revealed acute calculous cholecystitis—inflammation of the gallbladder with gallstones.
A temporary pacemaker was inserted, and emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) was planned. After surgery, the patient recovered and returned to sinus rhythm.
Considering his age, normal cardiac workup, and the disappearance of complete heart block after gallbladder removal, the authors postulated that this was a case of cardio-biliary reflex (Cope’s sign).
What do you think?
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