Hydrops of the gallbladder associated with Kawasaki syndrome.

Hydrops of the gallbladder is recognized as a major component of the abdominal crisis occurring in children with Kawasaki syndrome. Sixteen patients with hydrops of the gallbladder secondary to Kawasaki syndrome have been diagnosed and treated at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. One patient was treated by cholecystectomy and 15 nonoperatively without untoward sequelae. Nonoperative management with serial ultrasonic evaluation and close clinical monitoring is a safe method of treatment for this entity. Pathologic and clinical data are presented and discussed. Review of diagnosis and treatment of 41 reported cases of hydrops of the gallbladder in Kawasaki syndrome from the English language literature is also presented.