Final answer:
Biliary atresia is diagnosed through liver function tests, abdominal ultrasound, MRCP, HIDA scan, and blood tests including the Van Den Bergh test for different types of jaundice.
Step-by-step explanation:
To diagnose biliary atresia, a significant pediatric liver disease, a variety of tests are used. Here are some steps involved in the diagnostic process:
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- Liver function tests (LFTs) are essential in suggesting gallbladder disease and checking the liver's health status.
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- An abdominal ultrasound can help detect abnormalities with the gallbladder and assess gallbladder function.
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- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a type of MRI scan that provides detailed images of the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct, helping identify obstructions or anatomical variations associated with biliary atresia.
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- The HIDA scan, also known as cholescintigraphy, uses a radioactive material to measure gallbladder function. It can show whether the bile ducts are blocked, a common issue in biliary atresia.
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- Blood tests may include checking amylase and lipase levels, as well as a complete blood count (CBC) which can indicate infection if there is a high white blood cell count.
The Van Den Bergh test is also used to differentiate between types of jaundice, which can indicate the presence of obstructive or post-hepatic jaundice, often caused by biliary atresia.