Transient gallbladder distention in sick premature infants: the value of ultrasonography and radionuclide scintigraphy.

Transient gallbladder distention in sick premature infants has been reported with increasing frequency over the last few years. It is important to be aware of this entity of gallbladder disease which resolves spontaneously and to be able to differentiate it from other problems that require surgical correction. We believe that ultrasonography is most helpful in confirming the diagnosis, excluding stone formation, and documenting any changes in size or appearance. However, there are no reliable ultrasonic criteria for distinguishing inflamed or pathologically distended gallbladders from noninflamed or temporarily enlarged gallbladders. Radioisotope imaging, though useful in demonstrating malfunction of the hepatobiliary system, should be interpreted with caution. In the final analysis, the dilemma as to whether gallbladder distention is a transient or persistent malfunction can be settled best by thoughtful clinical judgement.