Gallbladder agenesis

Last revised by Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto on 10 Mar 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Mudgal P, Neto A, Jones J, et al. Gallbladder agenesis. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 30 Nov 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-27544

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-27544

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/27544

rID:

27544

Article created:

6 Feb 2014, Prashant Mudgal

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Prashant Mudgal had no recorded disclosures.

View Prashant Mudgal's current disclosures

Last revised:

10 Mar 2023, Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto's current disclosures

Revisions:

20 times, by 17 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary

Sections:

Anatomy

Tags:

pm, variant, gallbladder, refs, cases

Synonyms:

Absent gallbladder
GB agenesis

Agenesis of the gallbladder describes the rare congenital absence of the gallbladder.

Most patients with agenesis of the gallbladder are asymptomatic. Although some patients may present with signs and symptoms of gallbladder disease and ultrasound may suggest findings consistent with chronic cholecystitis (shrunken gallbladder). Jaundice may be present with a dilated common bile duct. There is a high incidence of choledocholithiasis.

Clearly it is important to establish that the patient has not had their gallbladder removed surgically.

Pathology

The exact etiology is unknown, however it is thought to result either from failure of the cystic bud to form or from lack of vacuolation. Several cases of familial gallbladder agenesis have also been reported, suggesting a hereditary basis of the anomaly.

Treatment and prognosis

No treatment is needed if asymptomatic. However, patients symptomatic of biliary disease can be prescribed smooth muscle relaxants. Sphincterotomy can be performed if conservative treatment is ineffective ⁴.