ISOLATED VASCULITIS OF THE HEPATIC ARTERY: A RARE CAUSE OF POSTCHOLECYSTECTOMY ABDOMINAL PAIN IDENTIFIED IN INDIA

Post-cholecystectomy pain (PCP) is not uncommon, but many times the cause may be difcult to determine. Herein, we present a case of a rare isolated hepatic artery vasculitis, which had led to PCP. A 68-year-old female had presented to hospital, on day 13 after cholecystectomy, with complains of right upper quadrant pain and shortness of breath. The laboratory parameters were normal, with only c-reactive protein raised. Autoimmune work-up for antibodies was also negative. Analgesics failed to provide any relief. Ultrasonography of abdomen showed ndings indicative of hepatic artery vasculitis with left mild effusion. Effusion was managed by pleural tapping, followed by computed tomography (CT)- angiography which conrmed the diagnosis of hepatic artery vasculitis. The patient was initiated on oral steroid, and the pain subsided. On a onemonth follow-up post-surgery, USG-abdomen showed regression of vasculitis and subsidence of pleural effusion. This case highlights the importance of detailed work-up for abdominal pain, with rare causes like isolated vasculitis also being considered.