Symptomatic Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis: A rare clinical presentation

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis (GA) is a benign rare condition that is mostly asymptomatic but can present as abdominal pain. GA usually occurs in the middle-aged population with an equal sex distribution.

Case presentation: A case of a 49-years-old female who sought medical care several times due to abrupt abdominal pain. She underwent echography, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) before performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic GA. The pathology report confirmed acalculous cholecystitis in the presence of GA.

Clinical discussion: In fact, echography can reveal the "comet- tail" sign, the CT can show the "rosary sign"; and MRI shows the "pearl necklace" sign. These signs, in the absence of gallstones, can justify the abdominal pain hence the diagnosis of symptomatic GA.

Conclusion: GA is being increasingly reported; however, symptomatic cases remain the exception. We believe that awareness to this entity should be raised so that healthcare professionals can establish the diagnosis efficiently.

Keywords: Adenomyomatosis; Awareness; Cholecystectomy; Gallbladder; Symptomatic.