Acute acalculous cholecystitis in a child with hepatitis A infection

Abstract

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is more common than acute calculus cholecystitis in children, especially critically ill patients. A rare cause of AAC is hepatitis A virus infection. Here, we report the case of a 5-year-old girl who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tenderness of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and positive Murphy's sign. Laboratory results showed elevated liver enzymes, positive hepatitis A IgM titre, and direct hyperbilirubinemia. Radiological tests showed all signs of AAC including increased gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, and absence of stones. The diagnosis of hepatitis A-induced AAC was confirmed by clinical evaluation, laboratory results, and radiology. The patient was treated successfully by conservative management.

Keywords

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis complication
• Acute acalculous cholecystitis
• Paediatric cholecystitis