Define biliary atresia.
obliteration or discontinuity of the extrahepatic biliary system, most commonly of the common bile duct
How common is it?
Approx. 1:10,000–15,000 live births in the US
♀ > ♂
Describe the etiology.
Exact etiology unknown, most likely an embryonal malformation or acquired lesion
Approx. 10–35% of cases involve additional anatomical malformations (e.g., situs inversus, asplenia, polysplenia, cardiac anomalies)
Describe the pathophysiology.
discontinuity of the biliary system due to obliteration or fibrosis → obstruction of bile flow (cholestasis) → secondary biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Last changed2 years ago