Patient's question:
The baby is four months old and has a yellow complexion all over, refuses to eat, and is crying. We went to a community hospital nearby for a check-up. The doctor said it seemed like biliary atresia and recommended an ultrasound. I want to ask if a normal liver and gallbladder ultrasound can indicate biliary atresia?Doctor's answer:
If the liver and gallbladder are normal, the possibility of biliary atresia is very low. Liver and gallbladder ultrasound can detect whether the child has biliary atresia. Its main manifestations include the absence of extrahepatic bile ducts, dry gallbladder, and sometimes hepatomegaly. If biliary atresia is suspected, tests such as bilirubin determination and biliary contrast should also be performed. If the child is diagnosed with biliary atresia, it is important to seek treatment at a hospital with at least a third-level or higher grade as soon as possible to prevent liver function from being affected by bile stasis.