HELLP syndrome and cholecystitis: case report and review of the literature.

A case of the HELLP syndrome is reported that was initially diagnosed as cholecystitis. Much overlap exists between the two diagnoses, and the emergency physician must be aware of the important differences between them. Because the HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia may occur in both the second and third trimesters, they represent serious diagnoses that must be considered when evaluating a pregnant patient with right upper quadrant abdominal pain.