Cystic Biliary Atresia:Why Is It Important to Distinguish this from Congenital Choledochal Cyst?

We present a 2-month-old jaundiced infant with a rare type of biliary atresia who appeared to have a choledochal cyst on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and ultrasound. Intra-operative findings were the only proof of biliary atresia. Following portoenterostomy, Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and bilirubin levels were returned within normal range and his jaundice was resolved. Any neonate presenting to a pediatric clinic with prolonged jaundice lasting more than two weeks, especially in cases of direct hyperbilirubinemia, must be thoroughly assessed and referred as early as possible for a pediatric surgical opinion to rule out the possibility of biliary atresia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]