Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: What You Need to Know About This Rare Liver Disease
Published: Mar 07, 2024
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. While rare, PSC can lead to serious complications and may require a liver transplant.
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What Causes PSC?
The exact cause of PSC is unknown, but it's believed to be an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the bile ducts. PSC is closely linked to inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. Genetic factors may also play a role in developing PSC.
Signs and Symptoms
Early on, PSC may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, common symptoms include fatigue, itchy skin, jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Some patients experience episodes of fever, chills and abdominal pain due to recurrent infections of the bile ducts.
Diagnosis and Testing
PSC is usually diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Blood tests can show elevated liver enzymes and signs of cholestasis. Imaging tests like MRI or ERCP can visualize the characteristic 'beaded' appearance of the bile ducts. A liver biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 70-80% of PSC patients also have IBD, most commonly ulcerative colitis.
PSC is progressive, but the rate varies widely between individuals.
There are no known ways to prevent PSC.
PSC isn't directly inherited, but genetic factors may increase risk.
Key Takeaways
While PSC is a serious condition, proper management and monitoring can help many patients maintain their quality of life for years.
If you have concerns about PSC, talk to Doctronic about your symptoms and risk factors to determine if further testing is needed.Related Articles
References
Chapman R, et al. Diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatology. 2010;51(2):660-678.
Lindor KD, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2015;110(5):646-659.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.