Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is a rare neonatal condition characterized by absent or obstructed bile ducts. It can have lifelong consequences, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, and a liver transplant. Early diagnosis is important and leads to improved outcomes. The US is often the first imaging study to image infants with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. It can show gallbladder abnormalities, the triangular cord sign, and cysts in the porta hepatis. If biliary atresia is suspected, a liver biopsy should be performed. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, early intervention, particularly through the Kasai procedure, is essential for improving outcomes. Even with surgery, the long-term prognosis remains variable.