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[Cholelithiasis in childhood: description of 2 cases]
P Corti1, G Pacciani, G Chessa Ricotti
1Nuovo Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio, USL 10/C Firenze, Italia.
Insights
Cholelithiasis (gallstones) in children can occur with conditions like hyperinsulinism or with no clear cause. Ultrasound effectively diagnosed symptomatic gallstones in two pediatric patients, highlighting its diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations.
- Associated conditions such as hyperinsulinism and hypoglycemia can be present in children with gallstones.
- Idiopathic cholelithiasis in children, without identifiable risk factors, also occurs.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of symptomatic cholelithiasis are presented.
- The primary symptom in both cases was recurrent abdominal pain.
- One patient was a 10-year-old girl with hyperinsulinism and hypoglycemia; the other was a 3-year-old boy with idiopathic gallstones.
Findings:
- Ultrasound examination provided a specific and accurate diagnosis for cholelithiasis in both children.
- The study demonstrates the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing pediatric gallstone disease.
- Prompt diagnosis facilitated appropriate management strategies.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of pediatric cholelithiasis via ultrasound is crucial for timely intervention.
- Understanding associated conditions like hyperinsulinism is important for comprehensive patient care.
- This highlights the need for increased awareness of gallstone disease in symptomatic children.
Abstract:
Two cases of cholelithiasis in children are reported. The first patient was a 10-year-old girl with hyperinsulinism and hypoglycemia as associated medical conditions. The second one was a 3-year-old boy who had no definable cause for cholelithiasis. Both patients were symptomatic. Recurrent abdominal pain was the main symptom. A specific and accurate diagnosis was readily made by ultrasound in both children.