[Gallstones in childhood-special problems in diagnosis (author's transl)].

Several pediatric textbooks mention hemolytic anemia as the most frequent cause of cholelithiasis. However cholesterol containing concrements seem to be more frequent. In lack of jaundice the diagnosis of gallstones is difficult, especially, when appearing as uncharacteristic abdominal pain. In a case of a ten year old girl the basic diagnosis of cholelithiasis lasted two years. Wrong diagnoses (appendicitis, duodenal ulcer) associated diseases (carditis, complete heart block) and minor troubles (menarche, oxyuriasis, constipation) were responsible for this long period. Oral cholecystography brought on definitive diagnosis. Liberal indication of this investigation is recommended, especially in corpulent girls.