Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder in childhood: A systematic review of the literature and an additional case report

Abstract

Considering the remote but possible degeneration leading to cancer and the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy even in small children, evidence suggests that elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy represent the treatment of choice. Pre-operative evaluation of the extrahepatic biliary tree anatomy with cholangio-MRI is strongly recommended.

Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder in an adolescent, a very rare condition

“…Furthermore, cholangio-MRI can detect stones in the choledocus. 5 In our case US performed in our centre was enough to determine the diagnosis, however MRI also contributed to the diagnostic process.…”

“…Although the localized type is most common, in the small group of children observed, the diffuse type was found in most cases, with five described by different authors 1,3,5,8,9 (50 %). Our case of the segmental type would be the third in the available literature.…”

“…3 According to Eroglu 3 the localized type is the most prevalent, usually with a single nodule (adenomyoma) in the fundus, which projects into the lumen. 3,5 The segmental type causes annular thickening of the wall, which can result in focal strictures. If the stricture occurs in the centre of the gallbladder, the organ may have an "hourglass" appearance.…”

“…4 In children unspecific and recurrent abdominal pain was mainly reported, 1,3,6,9-11 acute abdominal pain with vomiting and fever was less frequent. 5,8 In two asymptomatic patients diagnosis was made incidentally by ultrasound imaging, one with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, 2 and the other was a neonate. 12 In our patient the symptoms were highly unspecific.…”

“…2 It is found in up to Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder in an adolescent, a very rare condition 5 % of cholecystectomy specimens 4 in adults, nevertheless it is an extremely rare condition in children. 5 We present a case of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder successfully managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.…”