Isolated congenital agenesis of the gallbladder and cystic duct: report of a case

Importance of accurate diagnosis of congenital agenesis of the gallbladder from atypical gallbladder stone presentations: A case report

BACKGROUND

Congenital agenesis of the gallbladder (CAGB) is a rare condition often misdiagnosed as cholecystolithiasis, leading to unnecessary surgeries. Accurate diagnosis and surgical exploration are crucial in patients with suspected CAGB or atypical gallbladder stone symptoms. Preoperative imaging, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), plays a vital role in confirming the diagnosis. Careful intraoperative dissection is necessary to avoid iatrogenic injuries and misdiagnosis. Multidisciplinary consultations and collaboration, along with the use of various diagnostic methods, can minimize associated risks.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the case of a 34-year-old female with suspected gallbladder stones, ultimately diagnosed with CAGB through surgical exploration. The patient underwent laparoscopic examination followed by open exploratory surgery, which confirmed absence of the gallbladder. Subsequent imaging studies supported the diagnosis. The patient received appropriate postoperative care and experienced a successful recovery.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the rarity of CAGB and the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of patients with gallbladder stone symptoms. Accurate diagnosis using preoperative imaging, such as MRCP, is crucial to prevent unnecessary surgeries. Surgeons should exercise caution and conduct meticulous dissection during surgery to avoid iatrogenic injuries and ensure accurate diagnosis. Multidisciplinary collaboration and utilization of various diagnostic methods are essential to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis. Selection of the optimal treatment strategy should prioritize minimizing trauma and maintaining open communication with the patient and their family members.

A Unique Case of Gallbladder Agenesis and Cholangiocarcinoma

Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary tract, due to failure of the gallbladder and cystic duct budding off of the common bile duct during fetal development. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor arising from the biliary ducts in patients with underlying chronic biliary tract inflammation, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or other diseases. Although few studies have reported cases of cholelithiasis in patients with congenital gallbladder agenesis, there is only one other known case of concomitant cholangiocarcinoma and congenital gallbladder agenesis. Herein we present a case of recurrent gallstones in a male, diagnosed with gallbladder agenesis intraoperatively and with pathology consistent with cholangiocarcinoma.

Canine hepatobiliary anatomy, physiology and congenital disorders

The biliary system is an integral component of normal physiologic homeostasis and essential for survival. It acts as a conduit for the removal of detoxified and catabolised compounds as well as aids in fat digestion and absorption. Derangements in this system can have dangerous sequela that are associated with varying degrees of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, abnormalities in development of the biliary system can have varied and unpredictable changes on function and long-term outcome. The aims of this article were to review canine hepatobiliary anatomy, physiology and cholestasis as well as summarise congenital biliary disorders including human corollaries.

Successful liver transplantation using a whole liver graft with gallbladder agenesis: First report in pediatric liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is a rare congenital condition, occurring in approximately 40/100.000. It is likely due to an embryologic mishap in the development of the gallbladder bud and can be associated with other congenital variations in biliary anatomy. However, the liver likely suffers no functional impairment and can be safely used for transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) using a graft with GA.

CASE REPORT

A 10-year-old boy with methylmalonic aciduria underwent isolated liver transplant with a deceased graft from a donor with no relevant medical or surgical history and normal laboratory tests. During the back-table liver preparation procedure, no evidence of gallbladder was found, raising the possibility of a GA, confirmed by intraoperative cholangiography. The liver transplantation procedure was uneventful despite the particularly rare combination of biliary tree anatomic distribution found in the cholangiography. At 1 year of follow-up, there were no clinical, laboratory, or imagological signs of bile leaks or anastomotic site stricture.

DISCUSSION

The present report highlights the importance of the accurate knowledge of the vasculobiliary anatomic variation, particularly in extremely rare cases, such as GA, and in complex hepatobiliary procedures, such as PLT. In our opinion, grafts with GA should not be discarded for transplantation.

Gallbladder agenesis: A case report and review of the literature

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Gallbladder agenesis presented with symptoms similar to biliary colic can be diagnosed without the need for surgical intervention.

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MRCP is considered a test of choice for diagnosis of gallbladder agenesis.

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If gallbladder agenesis is discovered during laparoscopy no conversion to laparotomy is needed.

Introduction

Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital abnormality with an incidence of 10–65 per 100,000. Approximately half of these patients are surgically operated on because of the symptoms similar to biliary colic, and correct diagnosis is established intra-operatively.

We present a clinical case of gallbladder agenesis from our practice.

Presentation of case

A 49 (forty-nine) - year- old women was admitted in the Emergency Department of our clinic. Symptoms were similar to the biliary colic. Ultrasonography showed hyperechogenic acoustic shadow on the projection of the gallbladder which was considered as constricted gallbladder and cholecystolithiasis was diagnosed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was considered. During laparoscopy gallbladder could not be found. Surgical operation was completed without conversion. Postoperative treatment included analgesics and antispasmodics. Pre-operative symptoms disappeared. One month later magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) confirmed gallbladder agenesis diagnosis. Health condition of the patient is satisfactory, without any complications after a year of surgery.

Discussion

Gallbladder agenesis presented with symptoms similar to biliary colic can be diagnosed without surgical intervention. Conservative treatment consists of antispasmodic drugs.

Conclusion

If the shrunken gallbladder is detected on the ultrasound, additional radiological examinations are required. MRCP is considered as a test of choice among the radiological investigations. If gallbladder agenesis is identified on laparoscopy, there is no need for further conversion. For postoperative follow up examination MRCP investigation is recommended.

Gallbladder agenesis: A case report and brief review

Agenesis of the gallbladder and cystic duct represents one of the rarest anomalies of the biliary system, with a reported incidence of 0.007% to 0.027%. Almost half of the patients develop common duct stones and 23% of them manifest signs and symptoms that mimic biliary colic. We present the case of a woman presenting with symptoms of biliary colic. Based on the clinical findings and after abdominal ultrasonography, which showed hyperechoic material in the gallbladder fossa, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was planned. Laparoscopy failed to reveal either gallbladder or cystic duct. The procedure was continued to further search for ectopic sites of gallbladder. A condition of gallbladder agenesis was hypothesized and the procedure was aborted without dissection of hepatic pedicle or conversion to laparotomy. Agenesis of gallbladder and cystic duct was confirmed via pos-operative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. We report our experience with regard to the challenges associated with the diagnosis and management, and a brief review of the literature of this rare pathology.

Gallbladder Hypoplasia, a Congenital Abnormality of the Gallbladder: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 62

Final Diagnosis: Gallbladder hypoplasia

Symptoms: Abdominal pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery

Gallbladder agenesis and atrial septal defect: A case report

Congenital absence of gallbladder and atrial septal defect (ASD) are clinically rare congenital organ malformations, and the simultaneous occurrence of the two is even more rare. The present study reported a case of gallbladder agenesis combined with congenital ASD. A 38-year-old male patient presented with a 3-year history of recurring upper right abdominal pain. The pain had no evident cause and was accompanied by dyspepsia and gasteremphraxis with indigestion. Several color Doppler ultrasonography scans revealed cholecystitis and gallbladder stones. A physical examination revealed cardiac murmur. A color Doppler ultrasonography of the heart was indicative of congenital heart disease. A corrective surgery for ASD was performed. Subsequently, a mini-incision cholecystectomy was performed as explorative surgery. A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography scan of the abdomen was performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of gallbladder disorder and cystic duct hypoplasia. A final definite diagnosis of gallbladder agenesis was confirmed. In conclusion, atrophy and gallbladder full of stones are frequently misdiagnosed, and establishing a definitive preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Awareness of this congenital malformation may assist physicians in distinguishing cases with unclear manifestation and avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions.