Question #200
Which of the following is most likely to cause jaundice?
Jaundice is defined as yellow pigmentation of the skin, mucosa and sclera and is usually visible when the serum bilirubin is > 35micromol/L. It can occur secondary to pre-hepatic problems, hepatic problems or post-hepatic problems.
Anything that causes obstruction of flow of bile from the liver can result in an obstructive or post-hepatic jaundice.
Problems with the gallbladder or cystic duct will not normally result in jaundice. Once a gallstone has passed down to the common bile duct it may obstruct the flow of bile and result in jaundice.