The porta hepatis microcyst: an additional sonographic sign for the diagnosis of biliary atresia

Objectives To describe and evaluate an additional sonographic sign in the diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), the microcyst of the porta hepatis, in comparison with previously described signs. Methods Ultrasound performed in 321 infants (mean age 55 days) with cholestasis were retrospectively analyzed. BA was surgically confirmed in 193 patients and excluded in 128. US evaluated gallbladder type (1: normal; 2: consistent with BA; 3: suspicious), triangular cord sign (TCS), microcyst and macrocyst, polysplenia syndrome, portal hypertension, and bile duct dilatation. T test and Pearson χ 2 test were used to compare US signs between the two groups, followed by univariate regression analysis. Results The highest specificity and sensitivity for BA ( p