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[Cholecystitis in infants]
M M van Weissenbruch1, C M Kneepkens, S Ekkelkamp
1Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
Insights
Cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder, can occur in infants with abdominal pain. Early diagnosis via abdominal ultrasound and surgical gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) are crucial for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Cholecystitis is uncommon in infants but can present with non-specific abdominal symptoms.
- Congenital or neonatal pathologies can predispose infants to gallbladder issues.
Observation:
- Two infants, aged three months and four weeks, presented with abdominal symptoms.
- Ultrasound examination initially suspected cholecystitis in both cases.
Findings:
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) was the cause in the first infant.
- Anatomic anomaly of the cystic duct led to gallbladder infection in the second infant.
- Surgical confirmation and treatment (cholecystectomy) were performed.
Implications:
- Cholecystitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal symptoms in neonates and young infants.
- Abdominal ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing infant cholecystitis.
- Cholecystectomy remains the definitive treatment for symptomatic cholecystitis in this age group.
Abstract:
In two infants presenting with non-specific abdominal symptoms, three months and four weeks of age, respectively, cholecystitis was suspected on ultrasound examination of the abdomen and confirmed and treated by surgery. In the first patient the cholecystitis was secondary to cholelithiasis. The second patient was shown to have an infected gallbladder due to an anatomical anomaly of the cystic duct. It is concluded that even in young infants, cholecystitis as a complication of congenital or neonatal pathology may underlie abdominal symptoms. Ultrasonography of the abdomen is an important diagnostic aid and cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice.