Gallbladder agenesis and atrial septal defect: A case report
Yongqiang Liu1, N I Ao2, Haiping Zhao1
1Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010059, P.R. China.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|May 12, 2016
Summary
This case study highlights the rare simultaneous occurrence of gallbladder agenesis and atrial septal defect (ASD). Accurate diagnosis of gallbladder agenesis is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Congenital gallbladder agenesis and atrial septal defect (ASD) are individually rare congenital malformations.
- The simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions is exceptionally rare in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of gallbladder agenesis co-occurring with congenital ASD.
- To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and clinical implications of this rare combination.
Main Methods:
- A 38-year-old male patient with recurrent upper right abdominal pain was evaluated.
- Diagnostic tools included color Doppler ultrasonography, cardiac examination, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.
- Surgical interventions included ASD correction and exploratory cholecystectomy.
Main Results:
- Initial ultrasonography suggested cholecystitis and gallstones, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Post-surgical imaging confirmed gallbladder agenesis and cystic duct hypoplasia.
- The patient underwent successful ASD corrective surgery.
Conclusions:
- Gallbladder agenesis can be misdiagnosed as gallbladder stones or atrophy, complicating preoperative diagnosis.
- Increased physician awareness of gallbladder agenesis is vital for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary surgeries.
