Transformation of acute cholecystitis to acute choledocholithiasis in COVID-19 patient

The global pandemic of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) or SARS-CoV-2 has numerous manifestations in different organ systems. It is known that SARS-CoV-2 infects the hepatobiliary system leading to presentations such as acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis and hepatitis. Although the exact mechanism of the underlying pathology is unknown, it is likely attributed by the tropism of the virus to the ACE2 receptors in the hepatocytes and bile duct cells resulting in a cytokine storm that precipitates as systemic symptoms from acute COVID-19 infection. In this case report we present a case of a 47-year-old male who presented with signs consistent with acute cholecystitis. It was confirmed on ultrasound and he was incidentally found to be positive for COVID-19 on routine surveillance testing. He was asymptomatic and was being prepped for cholecystectomy, but developed an acute elevation of liver enzymes suggesting choledocholithiasis. After endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and cholecystectomy the patient experienced a rapid normalization of liver enzymes and improvement of his abdominal symptoms. •SARS-CoV-2 can infiltrate gallbladder wall cells, mimicking acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis.•Exact mechanism is unknown, but it is likely attributed by the tropism of the virus to the ACE2 receptors in the hepatocytes and bile duct cells resulting in a cytokine storm that precipitates as systemic symptoms from acute COVID-19 infection.•Patients with acute cholecystitis and COVID-19 require close monitoring to prevent the progression into cholidocolithasis and cholangitis.