MR cholangiography and dynamic examination of duodenal fluid in the differential diagnosis between extrahepatic biliary atresia and infantile hepatitis syndrome.

In order to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) and dynamic examination of duodenal fluid in the differential diagnosis between extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) and infantile hepatitis syndrome (IHS), 52 patients with infantile cholestatic jaundice were examined by MRC and duodenal fluid examination. Original interpretations were compared with clinical outcome. Calculated sensitivity of duodenal fluid examination in diagnosis of EHBA was 100%, and specificity was 91.1%. Sensitivity of MRC in the diagnosis of EHBA was 94.4% and specificity 88.24%. The sensitivity of MRC and examination of duodenal fluid combined in diagnosis of EHBA was 94.4% and specificity 97.06%. We are led to conclude that MRC and dynamic examination of duodenal fluid are useful in the differential diagnosis between IHS and EHBA and the combined use of the two techniques yield better results.