Does "cystic" biliary atresia represent a distinct clinical and etiological subgroup? A series of three cases

Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2005 Nov-Dec;8(6):725-31. doi: 10.1007/s10024-005-0018-7. Epub 2005 Nov 18.

Abstract

We describe a unique series of 3 cases of biliary atresia (BA) associated with a choledochal cyst. All 3 children presented with jaundice at birth and had no other abnormalities. Although these children had a fetal form of BA, their presentation and outcome differed from those of biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome (BASM), the well-described form of early onset BA. Unlike those with BASM, these children had no other associated malformations, had a normal birth weight, and did not yet require a liver transplant. We believe that the present series of patients and their associated pathology may represent a distinct phenotype with a common, prenatally acquired etiology that is different from other fetal forms of BA, such as BASM, and from patients who present with the classic perinatal form of BA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biliary Atresia / complications*
  • Biliary Atresia / pathology*
  • Child
  • Choledochal Cyst / complications*
  • Choledochal Cyst / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Jaundice / etiology
  • Pregnancy