Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
Gallbladder hydrops due to viral hepatitis a infection: a case report
Mitra Aldaghi1, Mahmoud Haghighat1, Seyed Mohsen Dehghani1
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran.
Insights
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infection can rarely cause gallbladder hydrops in children. This uncommon complication presents with abdominal pain and may resolve without specific treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infection is prevalent in developing nations, primarily affecting children.
- Gallbladder hydrops, a distension of the gallbladder, is an infrequent manifestation of acute HAV infection.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old boy presented with jaundice and severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain.
- Physical examination revealed a tender abdominal mass; ultrasonography confirmed gallbladder hydrops.
- Elevated HAV IgM titers confirmed the diagnosis of Hepatitis A.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms improved spontaneously within five days without specific intervention.
- Acute acalculous gallbladder disease is a rare complication of HAV infection.
- Laboratory tests showed abnormal liver function but normal renal and electrolyte parameters.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider gallbladder hydrops in children presenting with acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain and a palpable mass.
- Early diagnosis of HAV infection is crucial for managing this rare complication.
- While often self-limiting, gallbladder hydrops in HAV infection can rarely necessitate surgical intervention.
Introduction:
Acute Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infection is common in the developing countries among children, but hydrops of gallbladder due to hepatitis A infection is an uncommon presentation.
Case Presentation:
A five-year-old boy was admitted in Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran due to jaundice and severe abdominal pain for 10 days. Physical examination revealed a mass in the right upper quadrant with severe tenderness. Liver function tests were abnormal while other laboratory data such as blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium were within the normal range. Blood and urine cultures were negative. Abdominal ultrasonography showed that the gallbladder was very much distended and its fundus was near the iliac crest. Hydrops of the gallbladder was diagnosed. HAV IgM titer was high. After five days, without any specific treatment, his symptoms improved and he was discharged with good condition.
Conclusions:
Acute acalculous gallbladder disease is a rare complication of HAV infection which should be suspected in any child with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, tenderness, and mass which can lead to surgical emergency in rare conditions.
