A case of biliary atresia with cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct and polysplenia syndrome

Abstract

A 79-day-old girl presented with jaundice and acholia. Laboratory findings disclosed elevated levels of bilirubin, transaminases, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. A chest X-ray film showed dextrocardia. A computed tomographic scan revealed a cystic mass at the porta hepatis, multiple spleens in the right side of the abdomen, and absence of the inferior vena cava. Under the diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) (I-cyst) associated with polysplenia syndrome, a hepatic portojejunostomy was performed at 80 days of age. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the jaundice cleared. Although the occurrence of associated anomalies in BA is rare, polysplenia is most commonly seen, and its incidence is reported to be 2% to 10%. Patients with BA and polysplenia usually have a poor prognosis, however, this patient may have a good prognosis due to uneventful recovery from the jaundice.