Dysmorphic Gallbladder Found on Prenatal Ultrasound as a Hint for Biliary Atresia

J Ultrasound Med. 2023 Jun;42(6):1345-1351. doi: 10.1002/jum.16145. Epub 2022 Dec 9.

Abstract

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but devastating cholangiopathy. We report a case series of dysmorphic gallbladders detected during prenatal ultrasound, which were confirmed as BA after birth. We present the prenatal ultrasound findings as well as integral follow-up, with an aim to raise awareness regarding the association between BA and dysmorphic gallbladder. Although this dysmorphic gallbladder is a strong hint for BA, it is also important to search for other related sonographic features, such as the presence of microcysts at the hepatic hilum, dilated right hepatic artery, and seroperitoneum, which may provide more evidence for the diagnosis of BA.

Keywords: biliary atresia; dysmorphic gallbladder; fetus; prenatal diagnosis; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen
  • Biliary Atresia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Gallbladder / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal