Which symptom is commonly associated with acute cholecystitis?

Acute cholecystitis is primarily characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder, often as a result of a gallstone obstructing the cystic duct. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is episodic upper abdominal pain, commonly described as a sudden and intense pain located in the right upper quadrant or epigastric region. This pain can be accompanied by tenderness in the area and may radiate to the back or right shoulder, but the key aspect is that it typically occurs in episodes, correlating with meal intake or gallbladder contractions.

The other symptoms provided do not align with the specific presentations of acute cholecystitis. For instance, constant lower back pain is more frequently associated with other conditions, such as musculoskeletal issues or renal problems. Leg swelling does not relate to gallbladder diseases, and frequent headaches are not characteristic of this condition. Thus, the episodic nature of upper abdominal pain serves as a proper reflection of the symptomatology seen in acute cholecystitis.