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[New aspects of gallbladder pathology in children]
Insights
This study analyzed 38 children with gallbladder disease, finding gallstones most common. Abdominal sonography proved essential for diagnosing pediatric gallbladder conditions like hydrops.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Non-congenital gallbladder disease in children is uncommon.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical characteristics and diagnostic methods for non-congenital gallbladder disease in pediatric patients.
- To identify common gallbladder pathologies and their associated symptoms in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 38 pediatric patients treated for non-congenital gallbladder disease over seven years.
- Analysis of diagnoses, demographics, symptoms, and diagnostic modalities, primarily abdominal sonography.
Main Results:
- Cholelithiasis (58%) was the most frequent diagnosis, more common in females. Hydrops (26%) and acalculous cholecystitis (13%) were also observed.
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever were the most common symptoms.
- Abdominal sonography was critical for diagnosis, particularly for hydrops presenting with transient abdominal pain.
Conclusions:
- Gallstones are the leading cause of non-congenital gallbladder disease in children.
- Abdominal sonography is the primary imaging modality for diagnosing pediatric gallbladder conditions.
- Hydrops may present with self-limiting abdominal pain, necessitating sonographic evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
Abstract:
We have reviewed in a retrospective study 38 children treated in our Hospital, during the last seven years, because of non congenital gall-bladder disease. The diagnosis established were cholelithiasis 58 for 100, hydrops 26 for 100, acalculous cholecystitis 13 for 100 and hemobilia in one child. Cholelithiasis was more frequent in females at a rate of 2/1. Just the opposite incidence was found for acalculous gall-bladder pathology. Mean age at time of first hospitalization was 7.6 years for the cholelithiasis group and 6.6 years for the rest. Symptoms in order of frequency were abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Abdominal sonography has been basic in establishing to correct diagnosis in practically all cases. Our most interesting finding has been the clinical manifestations of patients with "Hydrops", consisting of abdominal pain which disappears spontaneously after 24 to 48 hours. The diagnosis has been established only after performing abdominal sonographic studies in children with abdominal pain of unclear etiology.