Intrahepatic biliary cysts in congenital biliary atresia.

A case of pronounced cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts with biliary atresia is presented. Intrahepatic biliary cysts have been described in biliary atresia, although, as far as we are aware, none as extensive as in this case. The cysts represent end-stage obstruction with irreversible liver injury; thus, drainage of these cysts does not alleviate the condition. The differential diagnosis includes Caroli's disease, congenital hepatic fibrosis, and polycystic liver disease.