What Imaging Modalities Should be Considered in Suspected Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis? A Review of the Evidence.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a severe inflammatory condition of the gallbladder that occurs without the presence of gallstones. It is most commonly seen in critically ill or trauma patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Due to its non-specific clinical presentation, imaging plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and guiding management. This scoping review aims to evaluate the available evidence on imaging modalities used for AAC detection, assessing their diagnostic performance, strengths, and limitations. By mapping the existing literature, this review seeks to highlight gaps in research and provide insights for clinical decision-making.