How to Suspect and Manage an Hypoplasic Gallbladder: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Malformations related to the gallbladder are uncommon, with an incidence lower than 0,1%. The majority of them are asymptomatic, however when symptoms appear are non-specific with a similar presentation to biliary colic. Methods: We report a case of a 29-year-old woman with persistent upper right abdominal pain and no visualization of the gallbladder in the ultrasound (US), CT scan or in the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Results: A laparoscopic exploration was performed due to persistent abdominal pain which confirmed an hypoplasic gallbladder. After cholecystectomy, symptoms were relieved. Herein we propose a decisional algorithm when suspecting a gallbladder with agenesis or hypoplasia. Conclusion: Surgeons need to take into consideration congenital anomalies of the gallbladder. Performing imaging techniques is important in order not to misdiagnose hypoplasia.