[Abnormalities associated with extrahepatic bile duct atresia]

In 19 cases of extrahepatic biliary atresia there were other malformations, 9 of which could be included in the polysplenia syndrome. The importance of these associated with malformations for the early diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia and for eventual surgery for secondary portal hypertension is emphasized. The histological findings of the fibrous remnants of the biliary system are similar in those with and without associated malformations. Thus, these abnormalities do not contribute of the understanding of the pathophysiology of extrahepatic biliary atresia but they do suggest that the initial insult may occur early in pregnancy.