Cholecystitis on gallbladder duplication: A case report and literature review

Gallbladder Duplication is an uncommon anomaly of the biliary system that rarely seen during the routine ultrasound examination. It is a challenge that can be encountered by surgeons and associated with an increased risk of complications after cholecystectomy.

We report the case of a 58-year-old woman, presented to the emergency department with persistent right upper quadrant pain. Ultrasound exam detected Gallbladder Duplication with lithiasic cholecystitis in both of them. Besides, a Computed Tomography and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging confirmed the diagnosis showing a hepatic abscess by contiguity. The Patient was operated and, three days later, she was discharged home without incident.

Gallbladder duplication is an anatomic biliary variant, which can associate with biliary ducts malformation. It can complicate the diagnosis and the surgical management of symptomatic Cholelithiasis or Cholecystitis. So, defining the exact anatomy of the biliary tree before surgery is crucial. Currently, the imaging technique, widely used for evaluating of the biliary tree, is the Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice.

Duplication of the gallbladder that could now be detected preoperatively by imaging should always be in a surgeon's mind, since it has been associated with anatomical biliary and vessels variations.