Objective: Gallbladder agenesis (GBA) is a rare congenital disorder with an estimated incidence of about 0.06%. Despite the absence of a gallbladder, these patients may present with symptoms mimicking biliary colic or cholecystitis. Ultrasound findings and liver function tests are often misleading. Some of these patients undergo laparoscopy without successful identification of gallbladder and paradoxically report symptom relief. Case: We present a case of GBA in a 54 year-old female, who presented with right-sided abdominal pain. The clinical history and examination were consistent with biliary colic. Initial investigations, including liver function tests, upper endoscopy and ultrasound did not demonstrate upper gastrointestinal pathology and did not clearly identify a gallbladder. Subsequent HIDA scan and CT of the abdomen did not visualize a gallbladder. An MRCP confirmed gallbladder agenesis. The patient was managed conservatively and was symptom free on discharge and follow-up. Discussion: We wish to highlight four learning points: 1. Patients with gallbladder agenesis often present with biliary symptoms. 2. Ultrasound and CT of the liver may not always identify this anomaly. 3. MRCP is the gold standard for making a diagnosis of gall- bladder agenesis. 4. Surgeons must have a high index of suspicion of GBA when the gallbladder is poorly visualized or not identified on ultrasound.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.