Adenomyomatosis of the Gallbladder as a Cause of Abdominal Pain in Pediatrics: A Case Report of an Adolescent and a Literature Review

Abstract

Objectives: Adenomyomatosis (ADM) of the gallbladder is a benign condition, which is characterized by mucosal hyperplasia of the gallbladder and formation of intramucosal invagination through the thickened mucosal layer. The pathogenesis is unclear. This condition is rare in children. The aim of this publication is to present the case of a teenager with ADM of the gallbladder and review the pediatric literature on this topic. Methods: A 17-year-old female presented with severe postprandial right upper quadrant abdominal pains. The abdominal ultrasound revealed ADM of the gallbladder. Results: A curative laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Since 1998, eleven of the 13 pediatrics cases reported with ADM of the gallbladder were symptomatic and a cholecystectomy was curative in all of them. Conclusion: ADM of the gallbladder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent right abdominal upper quadrant pains in pediatrics. Abdominal ultrasound is the best diagnostic procedure. In symptomatic patients, a cholecystectomy is curative.