Sonographic features of hepatocellular disease in neonates and infants

The sonograms of 12 neonates and infants with documented nonneoplastic parenchymal liver diseases, including cytomegalovirus infection, biliary atresia, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, nesidioblastosis, Alagille association, microabscesses, and idiopathic neonatal jaundice, were analyzed by various sonographic criteria. Nine (75%) of the hepatic sonograms were abnormal; however, most showed only one sonographic abnormality. Although it was not possible to distinguish one condition from another sonographically, focal areas of heterogeneity simulating mass lesions and accentuated periportal brightness were the most notable abnormal features. The prime indication for hepatic sonography in this age group continues to be the differentiation of obstructive from nonobstructive jaundice. Nonetheless, when obstruction has been excluded, sonography may demonstrate the presence of hepatic parenchymal disease and provide a noninvasive means for following its course over time.