Can cholecystitis cause elevated transaminase levels?

Cholecystitis is divided into two types—acute and chronic—and their effects on transaminases (such as ALT and AST) differ. Acute cholecystitis: Since acute cholecystitis may cause liver injury and impair liver function, it can lead to elevated transaminase levels. This elevation is usually associated with increased intraluminal pressure in the gallbladder, bile stasis, and concomitant bacterial infection. Chronic cholecystitis: Chronic cholecystitis typically does not cause significant increases in transaminase levels. It mainly results from long-term irritation due to gallstones or other factors, leading to thickening, enlargement, or atrophy of the gallbladder wall, and has minimal impact on liver function. Therefore, acute cholecystitis is more likely to cause elevated transaminases, whereas chronic cholecystitis less commonly leads to transaminase abnormalities.