Biliary atresia leads to which complication due to liver disease?

• A. Esophageal varices with profuse bleeding
• B. Kidney failure
• C. Pancreatitis
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Answer: (C)

Biliary atresia can progress to liver disease that causes portal hypertension. The increased pressure in the portal venous system leads to dilation of collateral veins, including esophageal varices. These varices are prone to rupture and can cause profuse bleeding, which is a classic complication of liver disease from biliary obstruction and cirrhosis. Pancreatitis is not a typical direct consequence of this liver pathology, and while advanced liver disease can have other systemic effects, the most characteristic complication here is esophageal variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension.