Can cholecystitis cause bilateral upper shoulder pain?

From the Guidelines

Cholecystitis is unlikely to cause bilateral upper shoulder pain, and this symptom warrants evaluation for other causes. The pain associated with cholecystitis is typically felt in the right shoulder or shoulder blade region, known as Kehr's sign, due to the irritation of the phrenic nerve by inflammation in the gallbladder 1. Bilateral shoulder pain is more commonly associated with other conditions such as cervical spine issues, rotator cuff injuries, or systemic inflammatory conditions. Key symptoms of cholecystitis include:

• Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever If cholecystitis is suspected, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly as it may require antibiotics, pain management, and possibly surgical intervention depending on severity 1. In evaluating right upper quadrant pain, imaging studies such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play a significant role in establishing a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and assessing possible alternate diagnoses 1. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria provide evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions, including the evaluation of right upper quadrant abdominal pain 1.

From the Research

Cholecystitis and Bilateral Upper Shoulder Pain

• The provided studies do not directly address the relationship between cholecystitis and bilateral upper shoulder pain 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Cholecystitis is typically associated with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea, rather than bilateral upper shoulder pain 2, 3, 4, 6.
• The studies focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of cholecystitis, but do not mention bilateral upper shoulder pain as a symptom or complication 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• It is possible that referred pain from the gallbladder area could radiate to the shoulder region, but this is not specifically discussed in the provided studies 4, 6.
• Further research would be needed to determine if there is a connection between cholecystitis and bilateral upper shoulder pain.