A rare case of acalculous cholecystitis secondary to mycoplasma pneumoniae in a pediatric patient: a case report and literature review

Acute acalculous cholecystitis [AAC] is the most common cause of acute cholecystitis [AC] in the pediatric population. Although typically found in critically ill adult patients, previously healthy pediatric patients with AAC often present in the setting of underlying infection. Upon extensive review of the literature, <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> [Mycoplasma] was only responsible for 9 reported cases of AAC. We present the case of a 13-year-old boy who developed AAC in the setting of Mycoplasma. Imaging revealed gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, and the absence of gallstones. The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and completed a course of antibiotics. Mycoplasma is often overlooked as a potential etiology of AAC and warrants heightened awareness among clinicians as it can drastically improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment protocol, and patient outcomes.