Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: A Case Report of Chronic Cholecystitis Mimicking Gallbladder Carcinoma

Abstract

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is an uncommon, benign but locally destructive inflammatory variant of chronic cholecystitis, characterized histologically by the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages within a fibro-inflammatory gallbladder wall. Its clinical and radiological features frequently overlap with those of gallbladder carcinoma, posing a significant diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a patient in the seventh decade of life who presented with right upper quadrant pain, low-grade fever, and anorexia. Imaging and histopathological examination after cholecystectomy confirmed chronic xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis without evidence of malignancy. A high index of suspicion, guided by multidisciplinary correlation of clinical, radiological, and histological findings, is essential to avoid unnecessary radical surgery for a benign condition that can closely mimic gallbladder cancer.