Which lab value would support a diagnosis of cholecystitis in a patient with abdominal pain?

Elevated bilirubin levels would support a diagnosis of cholecystitis because they indicate potential obstruction of the biliary tract. In cholecystitis, especially when caused by gallstones, the inflamed gallbladder can obstruct bile flow, leading to increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream. When the bile duct is blocked, conjugated bilirubin accumulates due to its inability to enter the intestines, which can also be accompanied by jaundice in some cases.

In the context of cholecystitis, while other lab values like a high white blood cell count might suggest an inflammatory process, the degree of bilirubin elevation is particularly significant in indicating possible bile duct obstruction related to gallstones or inflammation. This makes elevated bilirubin a specific and valuable lab value in supporting the diagnosis of cholecystitis.