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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The diagnostic significance of cholescintigraphy and ultrasound examination in cholestatic syndromes in infancy

subject

description

Thirty-three neonates and infants with cholestatic syndromes of various etiologies were evaluated by cholescintigraphy and ultrasound examinations. The results of these two diagnostic procedures were compared with the final diagnosis as confirmed by liver biopsy and/or laparotomy and the clinica follow-up of the infants. Fourteen patients had an obstructive cholangiopathy (11 biliary atresia, 2 choledochal cysts, 1 congenital choledochal stenosis), 13 had neonatal hepatitis, and 6 had cholestasis of another etiology. Typical ultrasonic and/or scintigraphic findings confirmed or excluded the need for surgical exploration in 28 patients. Thus, for must infants with cholestatic syndromes it is possible to differentiate the cause without invasive diagnostic techniques such as liver biopsy or exploratory laparotomy.