Biliary atresia associated with choledochal cyst

Abstract

Choledochal cyst and biliary atresia are rare but important causes of neonatal jaundice. Both present with jaundice and acholic stool in neonatal period. Treatment and prognosis of both entities are very different. We are presenting a case in which choledochal
cyst co-existed with biliary atresia; the antenatal diagnosis was that of choledochal cyst. Patient had cyst excision with hepatojejnostomy, but ultimately required
portoenterostomy because of associated biliary atresia. We conclude that choledochal cyst and biliary atresia are two entities with similar antenatal and postnatal presentation; they should be differentiated as management and prognosis are different.

Keywords: Biliary atresia, choledochal cyst, cystic biliary atresia

African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 6 (1) 2009: pp. 61-62