BILIARY peritonitis is an uncommon disease of childhood, usually produced by rupture of the biliary system from trauma, infection, or obstruction. Extremely rarely, it has been caused by the spontaneous rupture of a congenital defect in the biliary system.
Such a case was recently encountered at the Boston City Hospital.
REPORT OF A CASE
A 3-week-old baby girl was admitted to the Boston City Hospital on June 17, 1949, with a brief history of pain and marked restlessness. The infant delivery had been normal in every respect, and only three days prior to admission she had been examined in a well-baby clinic and found to be in good health—weighing 10 lb. 6 oz. (4,700 gm.).The day prior to entry, the patient began crying, simultaneously drawing her legs up over the abdomen and becoming restless. During this day, she continued to take her feedings without vomiting and had a normal