Acute hydrops of the gallbladder in childhood.

Acute hydrops of the gallbladder (AHGB) is a rare paediatric disease being diagnosed with increased frequency due to its association with other illnesses and the availability of ultrasonography. The symptoms and signs of AHGB include abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal mass and/or tenderness. As these clinical features mimic the more common surgical conditions such as acute appendicitis, intussusception and volvulus, some cases are still diagnosed only at laparotomy. Diagnosis is established by ultrasonography of the abdomen demonstrating normal biliary ducts and a distended gallbladder without calculi or congenital malformation. The aetiology of acute hydrops of the gallbladder is unknown but may be multifactorial. Treatment varies from non-operative management to surgical intervention.