Objective Differential Characteristics of Cystic Biliary Atresia and Choledochal Cysts in Neonates and Young Infants

Abstract

The triangular cord sign, intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, and echoic cysts might be regarded as objective sonographic features for differentiating cystic biliary atresia and choledochal cysts. Other sonographic features might be very supportive.

Choledochal Cysts: Presentation, Clinical Differentiation, and Management

“…In their series, 11 of 12 CBA patients had a triangular cord sign vs none seen in the CC cohort. 68 Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of CD56-stained liver biopsy specimens from CC and CBA patients showed no CD56 positivity and less hepatic fibrosis in CC group compared with varying levels of CD56 positive hepatocytes and increased hepatic fibrosis in all prenatally diagnosed CBA. 70,71 …”

“…67-69 This is in contrast to commonly seen intrahepatic duct dilation and a normal or distended gallbladder in CC. 69 Zhou and colleagues 68 identified sonographic detection of the triangular cord sign (a thickness of the echogenic anterior wall of the right portal vein just proximal to the right portal vein bifurcation) and the presence of biliary sludge as features suggestive of a diagnosis of CBA rather than CC. In their series, 11 of 12 CBA patients had a triangular cord sign vs none seen in the CC cohort.…”

Imaging in ductal plate malformations

“…[34] The triangular cord sign, intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, and anechoic cysts at porta hepatis might suggest cystic biliary atresia [Figure 13]. [35]…”

Antenatally detected cystic biliary atresia: differential diagnoses of a double bubble

“…The group also suggested, as much of the literature in the case of noncystic BA, that other features such as dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and hepatic artery; the sizes and morphologic characteristics of the gallbladder and liver may also be helpful identifying these cases (Zhou et al 2012). When taking these into account they were able to correctly differentiate all the CBA cases from those with choledochal cysts.…”