Ectopic gallbladder with congenital biliary dilatation: a pediatric case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ectopic gallbladder is a rare congenital anomaly that can lead to diagnostic challenges.
• Congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) is a serious condition requiring prompt management.
• This report focuses on a pediatric case involving both ectopic gallbladder and CBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique pediatric case of ectopic gallbladder co-occurring with congenital biliary dilatation (CBD).
• To highlight the importance of considering ectopic gallbladder in preoperative imaging assessments.
• To describe the successful surgical management of this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• A 9-year-old girl with elevated liver enzymes was diagnosed with Todani type IV-A CBD.
• Preoperative imaging (ultrasonography, CT, MRI) failed to visualize the gallbladder, suggesting agenesis.
• Laparoscopic excision of the extrahepatic bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy were performed, revealing an ectopic gallbladder during surgery.

Main Results:

• An ectopic gallbladder, initially missed on imaging, was identified during surgery for CBD.
• The patient underwent successful laparoscopic treatment for both conditions.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the ectopic gallbladder diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• This is the first reported pediatric case of ectopic gallbladder concomitant with CBD.
• The case underscores the necessity of suspecting ectopic gallbladder when the gallbladder is not visualized preoperatively.
• Accurate diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital for favorable outcomes in such rare anomalies.