[Isolated gallbladder agenesis mimicking biliary colic: A difficult preoperative diagnosis]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Isolated gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly.
• It often presents asymptomatically, but a significant percentage experience biliary colic symptoms.
• Diagnostic challenges arise as ultrasound may misinterpret it as a contracted or scleroatrophic gallbladder.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old child presented with biliary colic.
• Initial ultrasound suggested a scleroatrophic gallbladder, but this was questioned due to the absence of prior cholecystitis.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed the absence of a gallbladder.

Findings:

• Gallbladder agenesis can mimic symptoms of biliary colic.
• Misdiagnosis on ultrasound can lead to unnecessary surgical interventions.
• The absence of gallbladder visualization during imaging warrants consideration of agenesis.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of gallbladder agenesis is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Advanced imaging like MRCP aids in confirming the diagnosis.
• Distinguishing agenesis from other gallbladder pathologies prevents inappropriate surgical management and potential complications.