Primary posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder of the gallbladder in a lung transplant patient presenting with acute cholecystitis

Background. Acute cholecystitis in an immunocompromised host is potentially devastating. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well described complication of immunosuppressive therapy used after solid organ transplantation; however, isolated involvement of the gallbladder has not been described. Methods. Case report format is used. Results. We report a case of PTLD isolated to the gallbladder, as well as histological evidence of acute cholecystitis, in a patient who presented with signs and symptoms of acute cholecystitis 1 year after single lung transplant. Conclusions. PTLD can occur in the setting of acute cholecystitis and may be missed if careful pathological examination is not undertaken.