Abstract
Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of fetal ultrasonography in retrospective differential diagnosis of cases in which biliary dilatation is revealed during the prenatal period, and to assess the usefulness of hepatobiliary scintigraphy in cases of biliary dilatation revealed by ultrasonography during the prenatal or neonatal period. Methods : We reviewed 5 cases of biliary dilatation, as revealed by prenatal ultrasonography, and 3 cases which had jaundice and white-colored stool. Results : In all cases, fetal ultrasonography revealed stagnant, immobile cysts at the porta hepatis. On the other hand, hepatobiliary scintigraphy revealed 3 patterns : 1) the radionuclide reached the duodenum, 2) the radionuclide did not reach the duodenum, but reached the dilated biliary duct, or 3) the radionuclide did not reach the dilated biliary duct. 3 cases had pattern 1, 2 cases had pattern 2, 1 case had pattern 3 with CBD, and 2 cases had pattern 3 with biliary atresia (I-cyst). Conclusion : Intraoperative cholangiography is necessary for differential diagnosis of cases with biliary dilatation revealed during the prenatal or neonatal period.
