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[Empyema of the gallbladder in an 8-year old boy]
Insights
This case report details empyema of the gallbladder in an eight-year-old child. Prompt diagnosis via ultrasonography and surgical confirmation highlight the importance of imaging in pediatric gallbladder disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Empyema of the gallbladder is rare in children, often presenting with symptoms mimicking gallbladder hydrops.
- Pediatric cases frequently follow preceding infections, such as upper respiratory infections or cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Early recognition is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.
Observation:
- An eight-year-old child presented with right upper quadrant/epigastric pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and a palpable abdominal mass.
- The clinical presentation was consistent with acute gallbladder distension.
- A history of recent angina and cervical lymphadenopathy suggested a preceding infectious focus.
Findings:
- Ultrasonography accurately diagnosed gallbladder empyema.
- Surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis.
- Histopathologic examination provided definitive confirmation of empyema.
Implications:
- This case underscores the utility of ultrasonography in diagnosing pediatric gallbladder empyema.
- Prompt surgical intervention is essential for treating gallbladder empyema in children.
- Understanding the link between preceding infections and gallbladder disease aids in early diagnosis.
Abstract:
A case of empyema of the gallbladder in a eight year old child is reported. The child presented simptoms relatively constant in the hydrops of the gallbladder, nomely abdominal pain usually confined to the right upper quadrant and or epigastrium, fever, nausea, vomit, dehidratation; a tender abdominal mass was palpable. As usually occurs in childhood, the acute distension of the gallbladder followed in this report, to preceding focus of infection (angina and cervical lymphadenopathy). Ultrasonography permitted to address the correct diagnosis. This was later confirmed at surgery and from histopathologic study.