Gallbladder disease in children is not usual, but this entity occurs specificially in children and is characterized by an acute illness with marked distension of the GB in the abscence of stones, bacteria, or congenital malformations.
Differential
diagnosis include appendiceal abscess, volvulus intussusception, type 3 choledochal cyst, omental and mesenteric cysts, peritonitis, and pyelonephritis. Routine and contrast radiographic techniques may be combined with abdominal ultrasound to aid
in the
preoperative diagnosis.
The etiology of hydrops is not known, but bile stasis and mesenteric lymphadenitis seem to be important factors. Preatment has varied from supportive observation to operatve aspiration or cholecystectomy.
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