Spontaneous perforation of the bile ducts in infancy.

The clinical features of spontaneous perforation of the bile ducts in infancy differ sufficiently from those of other causes of neonatal jaundice to allow early preoperative diagnosis as demonstrated by a report of this condition in a 6-week-old infant. Despite its rarity, the clinician should be aware of this entity because early recognition and surgery will ensure cure in almost all cases. The cause of spontaneous perforation of the bile ducts is unknown. Trauma, congenital weakness and abnormal bile are considered as possible etiologic factors.