Biliary atresia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Digestive system Bile produced in the liver

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Biliary atresia

• Jaundice, a yellow color of the skin and eyes
  • May be present at birth or develop over several months
  • May be progressive or intermittent
• Slow or absent weight gain
• Slow growth in a child 0 - 5 years old
• Irritability
• Dark urine
• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
• Pale or clay-colored
• Floating stools
• Foul-smelling stools

During a physical examination, the doctor may detect an enlarged liver.

Tests that reveal biliary atresia include:

• Increased bilirubin in the blood
• Abdominal x-ray shows an enlarged liver and spleen
• Abdominal ultrasound
• HIDA scan (nuclear test to determine bile flow)
• Cholangiogram to determine patency of ducts
• Liver biopsy to determine degree of cirrhosis or to rule out other causes of jaundice

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