[Transient dilatation of the intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. A new aspect of bile duct involvement in scarlet fever].

An extra- and intra-hepatic bile duct dilatation has been observed in a child in the course of scarlet fever. Manifestations of cholestasis, cytolysis and inflammation were present. Pruritus disappeared within 2 months, biological abnormalities within 3 months and ultrasonic bile duct abnormalities between 3 and 6 months, with a follow-up of 9 months. This case report suggests a relationship between a transitory obstruction, possibly toxic in origin, of the bile ducts and the scarlet fever.