Cholecystitis may present differently in special populations, as follows:
Elderly (especially diabetics) – May present with vague symptoms and without many key historical and physical findings (eg, pain and fever), with localized tenderness the only presenting sign; may progress to complicated cholecystitis rapidly and without warning
Children – May present without many of the classic findings; those at higher risk for cholecystitis include those who have sickle cell disease, serious illness, a requirement for prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN), hemolytic conditions, or congenital and biliary anomalies