Acute inflammation and distension of the gall bladder in infancy.

Acute cholecystitis in children is a rare disease which has been associated with haemolytic anaemias, intercurrent illness and congenital anomalies. Acute inflammation and distension of the gall bladder in infancy is very rare and the underlying cause is usually not identified. This study describes two infants presenting with acute acalculous cholecystitis with marked distension of the gall bladder. It is stressed that this entity must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis when there is a palpable mass and/or tenderness in the right abdomen, particularly in the presence of intercurrent illness. Early operation is recommended and cholecystectomy is the preferred procedure.