An infant with biliary ascites

Anjum Saeed1, Mohammed El Mouzan2, Asaad Assiri1

  • 1Prince Abdullah Bin Khalid Celiac Disease Research Chair, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA.

Insights

Biliary ascites in children, a rare condition from bile duct perforation, presents insidiously with jaundice and abdominal distension. This case report details an infant

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Surgical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Biliary ascites in children is rare, with unknown exact pathogenesis.
  • Proposed mechanisms include congenital ductal weakness, pancreaticobiliary malunion, tuberculosis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and choledochal cyst rupture.

Observation:

  • Presents acutely or sub-acutely, often insidiously in children.
  • Common symptoms include jaundice, clay-colored stools, abdominal distension, elevated liver enzymes, and cholestasis.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis aided by clinical suspicion, ultrasound, CT, MRCP, and ascitic fluid analysis.
  • This report details a 7-month-old infant with biliary ascites due to bile duct perforation.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering bile duct perforation in pediatric biliary ascites.
  • Management involves both conservative and surgical approaches.
  • Contributes to understanding rare pediatric hepatobiliary emergencies.

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