Related Experiment Videos
Gallbladder and pancreatic involvement in hepatitis A
1Department of Pediatrics, Bikur Cholim General Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Hepatitis A virus infection in children can cause gallbladder abnormalities, including thickened walls. Awareness of these findings is crucial for pediatricians and surgeons to prevent unnecessary procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Gallbladder (GB) abnormalities are uncommon in pediatric populations.
- GB involvement is recognized in various inflammatory conditions.
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a common cause of acute hepatitis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and sonographic characteristics of gallbladder abnormalities in children hospitalized with hepatitis A virus infection.
- To highlight potential pancreatic and ascitic fluid involvement associated with HAV infection in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective ultrasound evaluation of 39 children hospitalized with confirmed hepatitis A virus infection.
- Assessment of gallbladder wall thickness, echogenicity, and presence of striations.
- Evaluation for associated pancreatic findings and ascites.
Main Results:
- Gallbladder wall thickening (pseudosurgical gallbladder wall) of ≥10 mm with striation was observed in 10 out of 39 children (25.6%).
- Pathological echographic findings in the pancreas were noted in three patients, including one with clinical pancreatitis.
- Ascitic fluid was detected in eight patients.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis A virus infection can manifest with significant gallbladder wall abnormalities in children.
- Pediatricians and surgeons should be aware of these potential GB and pancreatic findings in HAV infection.
- Recognition of these ultrasound findings may help avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions.
Abstract:
Gallbladder (GB) abnormalities are rarely reported in children, but involvement of the GB has been demonstrated in various inflammatory disorders. Thirty-nine children hospitalized with hepatitis A virus infection were evaluated by ultrasound. Pseudosurgical gallbladder wall of 10 mm or more with striation was found in 10. Pathological echographic findings were found in the pancreas of three patients, one with frank pancreatitis. Ascitic fluid was noted in eight. Pediatricians and pediatric surgeons alike should be familiar with this gallbladder and pancreatic involvement, which might avoid unnecessary procedures or surgery.