Cholestasis in children with portal vein obstruction.
We describe cholestasis as a result of bile duct abnormalities in 8 children with portal vein obstruction. In a clinical, biochemical and radiological investigation of 121 children with cavernous transformation of the portal vein seen between 1986 and 2000, 8 presented with jaundice, pruritus, and/or raised serum aminotransferases and/or gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma GT) activities. Each displayed dilation and narrowing of intra- and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. Surgical decompression of the portal system (portal-systemic or Rex anastomosis) resulted in the regression of the signs of cholestasis in all children. We conclude that children with portal vein obstruction may exhibit clinically significant cholestasis as a result of external compression of the bile duct by the cavernoma.
Gauthier-Villars
Marion
M
Division of Hepatology, Hôpital Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre cedex, France.
Franchi
Stéphanie
S
Gauthier
Frédéric
F
Fabre
Monique
M
Pariente
Danièle
D
Bernard
Olivier
O
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000601:surgery; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures