Chronic cholecystitis is a condition that results from ongoing inflammation of the gallbladder. The disease course often is smoldering with acute exacerbations (acute biliary colic / pain). This is different from acute cholecystitis, which has a more pronounced acute pain episode. Resulting gallbladder dysfunction in emptying can occur.

Chronic cholecystitis is most commonly associated with cholelithiasis (90% of cases), although an acalculous form (eg, sludge, strictures, neoplasm) also exists. Thus, risk factors overlap with risk factors for cholelithiasis, which include female sex, pregnancy, and obesity. Patients of advanced age are particularly susceptible to developing chronic cholecystitis as they may not display typical symptoms of acute cholecystitis. The missed diagnosis of acute cholecystitis can develop into the chronic form.