Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

 

Overview

Characterized by inflammation and destruction of the bile ducts, a series of tubes carrying bile (digestive fluid) from the liver to the small intestine.

Common Symptoms

Itching, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, enlarged liver and spleen, fever, chills, and weight loss.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), malignancies, autoimmune hepatitis, thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Twice as prevalent in males and in those with Northern European heritage, a previous biliary surgery, and cytomegalovirus infection.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Karlsen, T. H., Folseraas, T., Thorburn, D., & Vesterhus, M. (2017). Primary sclerosing cholangitis – a comprehensive review. Journal of Hepatology, 67(6), 1298–1323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2017.07.022

    2. Khosravi Khorashad, A., Khajedaluee, M., Mokhtari Amirmajdi, E., Bahari, A., Farzanehfar, M. R., Ahadi, M., Abedini, S., Abdollahi, M. R., Vakili, R., & Vossoughi Nia, H. (2015). Frequency and risk factors of primary sclerosing cholangitis among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in North-East of Iran. Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench, 8(3), 200–206. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553160/

    3. PICCOLBONI, D., RAGONE, E., INZIRILLO, A., & UTILI, R. (2013). Primary sclerosing cholangitis in patient with celiac disease complicated by cholecystic empyema and acute pancreatitis. Il Giornale Di Chirurgia, 34(9–10), 267–270. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926481/

    4. Primary sclerosing cholangitis—Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 27, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-sclerosing-cholangitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355797