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[Hydrocholecystitis in children and newborn infants. Apropos of 3 cases]
Insights
Hydrocholecystitis in children and neonates presents as an abdominal mass. Treating the underlying infection, such as hepatitis A or typhoid fever, leads to recovery and confirms a benign prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Hydrocholecystitis, or gallbladder distension, is rare in pediatric populations.
- Understanding its presentation and association with infections is crucial for timely diagnosis.
Observation:
- Reported are three pediatric cases: two children and one neonate with hydrocholecystitis.
- Associated conditions included hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and group B streptococcal infection.
- Abdominal mass was the initial presenting symptom in all cases.
Findings:
- Treatment of the underlying causative disease resulted in complete recovery for all patients.
- Abdominal ultrasonography is highlighted as a key diagnostic tool.
- Literature review distinguishes isolated hydrocholecystitis from symptomatic presentations.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the importance of considering hydrocholecystitis in pediatric patients presenting with abdominal masses.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of associated infections are vital for favorable outcomes.
- The condition generally carries a benign prognosis when appropriately managed.
Abstract:
We report two cases of hydrocholecystitis in children and one in a neonate. One child had hepatitis A and the other had typhoid fever. A beta-hemolytic group B streptococcal infection was found in the neonate. In all three cases, the first manifestation was an abdominal mass and treatment of the causative disease ensured recovery. These three observations provided us with the opportunity for reviewing the literature. Isolated hydrocholecystitis is distinguished from hydrocholecystitis as a symptom. The clinical evaluation and diagnostic investigations are described in detail; special attention is given to abdominal ultrasonography. Etiology and pathophysiology, as well as management are discussed. Our three cases and the review of the literature confirm the benign prognosis of this condition.