Su-mi Shin MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jung Eun Cheon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ah Young Jung MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Woo Sun Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

In-One Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kyung Mo Yeon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the usefulness of practical US approach in differential diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) from neonatal hepatitis (NH) focused on examination of the gallbladder (GB) and the porta hepatis.

Seventy neonates and young infants who were suspected of having BA or NH were evaluated (mean age:60.3 days, M:F=37:33). US examination was performed using 7-12 MHz transducers by two pediatric radiologists. We defined US findings suggesting BA as atretic GB, triangular cord sign, biliary cyst or enlargement of the hepatic artery (> 1.5 mm) in the porta hepatis. Visualization of the CBD was thought to be a finding excluding BA. If the findings of the GB and the porta hepatis were discordant, we followed the findings of the porta hepatis. Final diagnosis was BA in 39 patients and NH in 31 patients.

In 39 patients with BA, 30 patients showed concordant US findings between GB and the porta hepatis. Among 7 patients with non-atretic GB, porta hepatis showed US findings suggesting BA. When we combined US findings of GB and porta hepatis suggesting BA weighted on US findings of the porta hepatis, diagnostic performance was enhanced up to 94%.

When US findings of the GB and the porta hepatis are discordant, follow the findings of the porta hepatisin differential diagnosis of BA and NH.

When US findings of the GB and the porta hepatis are discordant, follow the findings of the porta hepatis in differential diagnosis of BA and NH.

Shin, S, Cheon, J, Jung, A, Kim, W, Kim, I, Yeon, K, Practical Ultrasonographic Approach in Differential Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia and Neonatal Hepatitis.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5012569.html