Clinical and pathological challenges in the diagnosis of late-onset biliary atresia: four case studies

Abstract

Biliary atresia (BA) is classically described at the neonatal age. However, rare cases of BA in older infants have also been reported. We report four cases of late-onset BA in infants older than 4 weeks (3 males, 1 female), and describe the diagnostic and management difficulties. One of the cases had a late-onset (29 weeks) presentation with a successful surgical procedure. We highlight the importance of this unusual differential diagnosis in infants with cholestatic syndrome, who may benefit from Kasai surgery, regardless of age.

Repeatability and Reliability of Home-Based Stool Color Card Screening for Biliary Atresia Based on Results in China and Japan

“…The distinction between ''late onset'' and ''late diagnosis'' of BA may be important. The late-onset patients with a shorter duration of disease are likely to have a favorable outcome after the Kasai procedure, even when the patient is over 1 month after birth (Schoen et al 2001;Fontenele et al 2016).…”

Design and validation of a noninvasive diagnostic criteria for biliary atresia in infants based on the STROBE compliant

“…[5–7] However, there is rarely available noninvasive criterion integrating histopathological observation, biochemical indicators, clinical examination, and imaging parameters for clinicians in the diagnosis of BA. [8] The aim of the current study was to design and validate a noninvasive diagnostic prediction criterion combining graphical, biochemical and clinical examination for the early discrimination of BA in infants.…”