Highlights
- •Ultrasound remains the best initial modality for pediatric biliary system evaluation.
- •Imaging is central to differentiate biliary atresia from neonatal hepatitis.
- •Caroli's disease is frequently associated with renal disorders such as medullary sponge kidney.
- •Features of primary sclerosing cholangitis can overlap with autoimmune hepatitis, termed overlap syndrome.
- •Imaging can reliably detect a myriad of post-operative biliary complications.
Abstract
The spectrum of pathologies affecting the biliary tree in the pediatric population
varies depending on the age of presentation. While in utero insults can result in
an array of anatomic variants and congenital anomalies in newborns, diverse acquired
biliary pathologies are observed in older children. These acquired pathologies display
different presentations and consequences than adults. Multimodality imaging assessment
of the pediatric biliary system is requisite to establishing an appropriate management
plan. Awareness of the imaging features of the various biliary pathologies and conveying
clinically actionable information is essential to facilitate appropriate patient management.
In this paper, we will illustrate the anatomy and embryology of the pediatric biliary
system. Then, we will provide an overview of the imaging modalities used to assess
the biliary system. Finally, we will review the unique features of the pediatric biliary
pathologies, complemented by histopathologic correlation and discussions of clinical
management.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 21, 2021
Accepted:
January 4,
2021
Received in revised form:
December 4,
2020
Received:
September 16,
2020
Identification
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