From the Guidelines
Hydrops of the gallbladder refers to a condition where the gallbladder becomes distended due to the accumulation of fluid, often as a result of chronic inflammation or other underlying conditions.
Causes and Associations
- This condition has been associated with various diseases, including Kawasaki disease, where abdominal ultrasonography may reveal gallbladder hydrops 1.
- It can also occur as a complication of endoscopic procedures, such as stent removal in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), where two patients developed hydrops of the gallbladder after stent removal 2.
Management
- The management of hydrops of the gallbladder may involve medications such as ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) to reduce inflammation and promote gallbladder function.
- In some cases, surgical intervention, such as cholecystectomy, may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications.
Key Considerations
- Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in the development of hydrops of the gallbladder, and managing this inflammation is crucial in treating the condition.
- The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, and may involve a combination of medical and surgical approaches.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Hydrops
- Hydrops of the gallbladder, also known as gallbladder mucocele, is an uncommon condition characterized by gallbladder distention and accumulation of clear mucous-like inspissated bile 3.
- It is often asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed on cross-sectional imaging or diagnostic laparoscopy 3.
- The condition can present with atypical abdominal and urinary symptoms, as seen in a rare case of calculous gallbladder hydrops 3.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- Symptoms and signs of acute hydrops of the gallbladder include abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal mass, and/or tenderness 4.
- Diagnosis is established by ultrasonography of the abdomen demonstrating normal biliary ducts and a distended gallbladder without calculi or congenital malformation 4.
- Computed tomography scan and abdominal ultrasonography can also be used to confirm the diagnosis 5.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment varies from non-operative management to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition 4, 6.
- Supportive observation, operative aspiration, or cholecystectomy may be considered as treatment options 6.
- The clinical presentation, imaging findings, and management of gallbladder hydrops are crucial in determining the appropriate course of treatment 5.
Demographics and Etiology
- Hydrops of the gallbladder is an uncommon condition that can affect infants, children, and adults 7, 6, 5.
- The etiology of hydrops is not known, but bile stasis and mesenteric lymphadenitis seem to be important factors 6.
- The condition may be multifactorial, and its association with other illnesses can lead to increased frequency of diagnosis 4.