A Case of Gallbladder Torsion Diagnosed Preoperatively by MRCP

Abstract

We report the surgical case of a seven-year-old boy with no significant medical history, who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and melena, and initially diagnosed as having acute gastroenteritis. As his abdominal pain worsened after every meal, he was diagnosed as having acute cholecystitis by CT and referred to our hospital. His laboratory data were within normal limits, including liver enzyme levels, WBC, and CRP level. US and enhanced CT showed a thickened gallbladder wall. A preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder torsion was made on the basis of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings, and thus, we performed cholecystectomy. Anticlockwise 360° rotation of the gallbladder was seen during the operation as also shown by MRCP. Gallbladder torsion is a rare acute abdominal condition that requires surgery and is difficult to diagnose. However, MRCP has been used successfully to diagnose gallbladder torsion.