Hydrops & Mucocele : Pathogenesis

Comments:
Pathogenesis of Hydrops: In adults, the most common cause of hydrops is mechanical obstruction of gallbladder neck or cystic duct by an impacted stone. Less commonly, the obstruction is caused by tumor, fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, kinking of the cystic duct, or external compression from a mass (located in the liver or adjacent structures).

In children, the development of hydrops is acute, often reversible and is usually caused by infections or inflammatory conditions, including Epstein-Barr virus, streptococcal infections, typhoid, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, Kawasaki syndrome, and Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Some cases are idiopathic.

In this case of hydrops, note the impacted stone near the cystic duct (right edge). The gallbladder is distended and is lined by smooth mucosa.