Hydrops of the gallbladder is rare condition that can be a challenge to diagnose prior to surgery.
Features of hydrops:
(1) marked distention of the gallbladder
(2) gallbladder contents a clear, watery or mucoid fluid (presumably with resorption of the bile)
(3) usually no or minimal cholecystitis
It may present in neonates, infants and children.
Clinical findings may include:
(1) fever
(2) abdominal pain
(3) nausea and vomiting
(4) palpable abdominal mass
Imaging studies can help to identify involvement of the gallbladder prior to surgery.
Associations:
(1) obstruction of the cystic duct (stone, stricture, etc)
(2) Kawasaki disease
(3) viral hepatitis (EBV, rotavirus, other)
(4) sclerosing cholangitis
(5) eosinophilic cholecystitis
(6) cryptosporidiosis
(7) scarlet fever
