Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in biliary atresia

This case report describes a child with biliary atresia and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HO), the second such case report of HO in a child with biliary atresia. Suggested pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed. Surgical intervention in the treatment of biliary atresia has clearly increased survival in affected children. The relationship between surgical intervention, either successful or unsuccessful, and hepatic HO remains speculative. (orig.)