Agenesis of the gallbladder--borderline-case of normality?

Abstract

The agenesis of the gallbladder is described as a borderline case of the regular development of the early human embryo. A disturbed development of the vessels (umbilical and omphaloenteric veins) and the hence disturbed positional development of the cells of the upper umbilical region could result in a break-down of the suction field of that area and consequently result in an agenesis of the gallbladder. The numerous cases described in the clinical literature support this interpretation. Consequently, there is a good cause for looking for vascular abnormalities when, in future, agenesis of gallbladder is found.