The diagnostic system for acute cholecystitis evaluates three categories of clinical signs: local signs of inflammation, systemic signs of inflammation, and imaging findings. Each category has specific options that, when selected, contribute to determining the likelihood of acute cholecystitis.

Here’s how inputs are processed:

- Local signs of inflammation:
  - Murphy's sign
  - Right upper quadrant mass, pain, or tenderness

- Systemic signs of inflammation:
  - Fever
  - Elevated C-reactive protein
  - Elevated white blood cell count

- Imaging findings:
  - Imaging findings characteristic of acute cholecystitis

The diagnosis hinges on whether certain combinations of these indicators are present. The computation works as follows:

1. **If imaging findings characteristic of acute cholecystitis (F) are confirmed, along with any local sign of inflammation (Murphy's sign or right upper quadrant mass/pain/tenderness) and at least one systemic sign of inflammation (fever, elevated C-reactive protein, or elevated white blood cell count), the patient meets the criteria for definite acute cholecystitis.**

2. **If any local sign of inflammation is observed along with any systemic sign and the imaging findings, this reinforces the suspected acute cholecystitis diagnosis. However, since this computation is logically identical to the criteria for definite acute cholecystitis, the system confirms the diagnosis right away.**

3. **If the conditions for definite or suspected acute cholecystitis are not fully met with the provided inputs, the system concludes that the criteria for acute cholecystitis are not satisfied.**

The system functions by evaluating the logical presence of these signs and symptoms, ensuring the assessment is grounded in established medical criteria. This method allows healthcare providers to systematically determine the likelihood of acute cholecystitis, guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic actions.

The diagnostic criteria for acute cholecystitis serve as a clinical tool for the identification and classification of this condition. The primary purpose of these criteria is to guide clinicians in diagnosing acute cholecystitis, a common and potentially serious gallbladder inflammation, and to stratify patients based on the severity of their symptoms.

The diagnostic criteria for acute cholecystitis are composed of local signs of inflammation, systemic signs of inflammation, and imaging findings. Local signs of inflammation include Murphy's sign and right upper quadrant mass, pain, or tenderness. Systemic signs of inflammation encompass fever, elevated C-reactive protein, and elevated white blood cell count. Imaging findings characteristic of acute cholecystitis are also considered.

The diagnosis of definite acute cholecystitis is established if imaging findings characteristic of acute cholecystitis are present, along with either Murphy's sign or right upper quadrant mass, pain, or tenderness, and any one of the systemic signs of inflammation. Suspected acute cholecystitis is diagnosed if either Murphy's sign or right upper quadrant mass, pain, or tenderness, and any one of the systemic signs of inflammation are present, but the characteristic imaging findings are not. If these criteria are not met, the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is not established.

These diagnostic criteria provide a structured approach to the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, aiding in the early identification and appropriate management of patients with this condition.

Diagnostic criteria for acute cholecystitis