ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

Which condition is associated with peritonitis?

1. Acute cholecystitis

2. Appendicitis

3. Biliary colic

4. Diverticulitis

The correct answer is: Acute cholecystitis

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue lining the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs. It is often a result of infection or irritation that can occur due to a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. Among the options provided, acute cholecystitis is closely associated with peritonitis because it involves the inflammation of the gallbladder, which can lead to complications such as perforation. When the gallbladder perforates, bile and potentially infected material can spill into the peritoneal cavity, triggering peritonitis. In contrast, appendicitis, while it can also lead to peritonitis if the appendix ruptures, may not always present with peritonitis early in its course. Biliary colic refers to pain caused by the temporary blockage of bile ducts by gallstones, which does not typically lead to peritonitis. Similarly, diverticulitis may result in peritonitis if diverticula rupture, but this complication is not inherent in the condition itself and is more variable in presentation. Therefore, acute cholecystitis stands out in this scenario as a condition most definitively linked to peritonitis if it progresses to perforation, emphasizing its direct role in this serious complication.