Malakoplakia of the Gallbladder: A Case Report

Histiocytes are cells that are involved in the immune responses of the body. They are unable to properly break down the bacterial material in malakoplakia, a chronic granulomatous histiocytic disease that occurs in immunocompromised patients and autoimmune conditions. Very few reports of these lesions exist, as those that occur in the gallbladder. It typically affects the urinary bladder, alimentary tract, cutaneous, hepato-biliary, and male and female genital systems. These lesions are usually incidental findings that result in patients being misdiagnosed. A 70-year-old female presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and malakoplakia of the gallbladder was diagnosed. Histopathology findings revealed malakoplakia of the gallbladder, and the same was confirmed with special stains such as periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). This case highlights the role of gross and histopathology findings as a clue to the diagnosis, which helps the surgeon with further management.