All about primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)  causes of primary sclerosing cholangitis symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis Articles in liver diseases - cirrhosis of the liver hemochromatosis primary sclerosing cholangitis primary biliary cirrhosis alagille syndrome alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency Crigler-Najjar syndrome hepatitis fatty liver liver transplant Wilson's disease ascites cholestasis jaundice liver encephalopathy liver failure portal hypertension |
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What causes primary sclerosing cholangitis?
The causes of primary sclerosing cholangitis are not known, but many researchers think it might be an autoimmune disease. When the immune system is working correctly, it protects the body from infections caused by bacteria and viruses. The most common cause of cholangitis is infection of the bile ducts due to blockage by a gallstone. Strictures (portions of ducts that have become narrow) also function in the same way. Strictures may be due to congenital (birth) abnormalities of the bile ducts, form as a result of injury to the bile duct (such as surgery, trauma), or result from inflammation that leads to scar tissue and narrowing. The bacterium most commonly associated with infection of the bile ducts is Escherichia coli (E. coli) which is a normal inhabitant of the intestine. In some cases, more than one type of bacteria is involved. Patients with AIDS, can develop infection of narrowed bile ducts with unusual organisms such as Cryptosporidium and others. In the case of an autoimmune disease, the body does not recognize certain cells and body parts as part of itself. The body then goes to war against itself, damaging the body part it thinks is foreign. In many cases, primary sclerosing cholangitis occurs along with a type of inflammatory bowel disease in which the colon becomes inflamed and develops ulcers, but it may also be associated with cystic fibrosis and disorders of the immune system. |
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More information on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
What is primary sclerosing cholangitis? - Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an inflammatory disease of the bile duct, which leads to cholestasis (blockage of bile transport to the gut).
What causes primary sclerosing cholangitis? - The causes of primary sclerosing cholangitis are not known, but many researchers think it might be an autoimmune disease.
What are the symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis? - The main symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis are itching, fatigue, and jaundice, which causes yellowing of the eyes or skin.
How is primary sclerosing cholangitis diagnosed? - The diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis is made by imaging of the bile duct, usually in the setting of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
What is the treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis? - Treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis is directed at managing symptoms and opening narrowed bile ducts. |
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