Choledochal Cyst Mimicking Gallbladder with Stones in a Six-Year-Old with Right-sided Abdominal Pain

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Choledochal cysts are rare congenital bile duct anomalies primarily affecting infants and young children.
• These anomalies carry a significant risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma, necessitating early surgical management.
• Timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A six-year-old child presented to the emergency department with isolated abdominal pain, a less typical symptom for choledochal cysts.
• Initial presentation lacked classic signs such as jaundice or an abdominal mass.
• This case highlights the importance of considering choledochal cysts even with non-specific symptoms.

Findings:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was utilized as a rapid diagnostic tool in the emergency department.
• POCUS successfully identified a choledochal cyst in the pediatric patient.
• The diagnostic capability of POCUS was demonstrated in a case with atypical clinical presentation.

Implications:

• POCUS can be a valuable tool for the early detection of choledochal cysts in pediatric emergency settings.
• Considering choledochal cysts in the differential diagnosis for pediatric abdominal pain is essential.
• Prompt POCUS can facilitate timely surgical intervention, potentially reducing complications associated with choledochal cysts.