Biliary Excretion Noted on Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan Does Not Exclude Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia

J Pediatr. 2020 May:220:245-248. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.12.055. Epub 2020 Feb 25.

Abstract

A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is frequently used in an attempt to exclude biliary atresia in infants who are cholestatic. We present 6 cases of confirmed biliary atresia in infants who had biliary patency reported on HIDA scan. We demonstrate that misinterpreted HIDA scans led to delayed diagnosis and surgical intervention for biliary atresia.

Keywords: HIDA scan; biliary atresia; hepatobiliary scintigraphy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biliary Atresia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Biliary Atresia / physiopathology*
  • Biliary Tract / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Hepatobiliary Elimination*
  • Humans
  • Imino Acids*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Imino Acids
  • iminodiacetic acid