Sclerosing cholangitis
Key points
- Sclerosing cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver without a specified cause.
- The bile ducts within and outside the liver become narrowed and scarred.
- Endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures may relieve symptoms.
- Some patients develop recurrent infections of the bile ducts.
Alternative names
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Definition
Sclerosing cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver without a specified cause.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The bile ducts within and outside the liver become narrowed and scarred. The cause is unknown. The disease is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and genetic factors may play a causative role. The disease is progressive and most patients develop biliary Cirrhosis, persistent jaundice, and liver failure. The diagnosis is made, in part, by eliminating other diseases of the biliary system - for example, by absence of stones in the gallbladder or biliary system. The disease occurs more often in men. This disorder is rare in children.
Symptoms
- Jaundice
- Itching
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Loss of appetite
Signs and tests
- Tests that show cholangitis:
o ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
o PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram)
o Liver biopsy
o Abdominal CT scan
o MRCP (Abdominal MRI/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)
o Abdominal ultrasound - Blood tests that reveal abnormal function:
o Elevated liver enzymes (liver function tests)
Treatment
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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