Would Normal Hepatobiliary Ultrasound Result Lead to Bile Duct Obstruction?

Question

“My baby is four months old and has jaundice all over the body, lacks appetite, and is often irritable. The doctor at the community hospital suspects bile duct obstruction and recommends a hepatobiliary ultrasound. Will a normal hepatobiliary ultrasound still lead to bile duct obstruction?”

Answer

“If the hepatobiliary ultrasound is normal, the probability of having bile duct obstruction is usually lower. Hepatobiliary ultrasound can be used to detect symptoms of bile duct obstruction, including invisible extrahepatic bile ducts, an empty gallbladder, and sometimes liver enlargement. If bile duct obstruction is suspected, it is recommended to undergo bilirubin tests and bile duct imaging among other checks. If the child is diagnosed with bile duct obstruction, they should be immediately referred to a tertiary hospital for treatment to prevent liver function impairment.”