Recent advances in the use of ultrasound and related techniques in diagnosing and predicting outcomes in biliary atresia

Purpose of review Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation. The use of ultrasound (US) and related techniques continues to evolve to help diagnose BA as well as potentially to help predict outcomes after treatment with the Kasai portoenterostomy (KP). Recent findings There are no US findings that are definitive for BA; however, signs which are consistent with BA include gallbladder abnormalities, the triangular cord sign, presence of hepatic subcapsular flow, and hilar lymphadenopathy. Elastography techniques to measure liver stiffness may also increase the diagnostic accuracy of detecting BA, particularly in older infants or without other US findings. In addition, both US and elastography are still being studied as potential methods to predict outcomes after KP such as the development of portal hypertension and the need for liver transplant. US findings in the diagnosis of BA are well characterized. Future studies will help determine the utility of elastography in diagnosing BA, as well as both US and elastography in monitoring and predicting disease outcomes after KP.

Automated summary

Biliary atresia (BA) is a common cause of chronic liver disease in children and often leads to liver transplantation. Ultrasound (US) and elastography techniques are important tools in diagnosing BA and predicting outcomes after treatment, including the development of portal hypertension and the need for liver transplant. Future studies will further explore the utility of these techniques in monitoring and predicting disease outcomes in BA patients.