Pediatric Gallbladder Agenesis

  • Etiology:
    — Congenital absence of gallbladder
    — May be due to failure of cystic bud to form or lack of vacuolation
  • Imaging: Absent gallbladder
  • DDX: Surgical removal of gallbladder
  • Complications:
  • Treatment: None if asymptomatic, sphincterotomy if symptomatic
  • Clinical: Usually asymptomatic

Radiology Cases of Gallbladder Agenesis

HIDA exam and MRCP of gallbladder agenesis
Serial AP images from a hepatobiliary scintigraphy exam (above) show good uptake of radiotracer in the liver and subsequent good excretion of radiotracer into the small bowel via the biliary system. The gallbladder was not visualized. 3D MIP image from a MCRP exam (below) shows a normal appearing intra and extrahepatic biliary tree. The gallbladder was not visualized.