In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), the bile ducts
inside and outside the liver become inflamed and scarred.
As the scarring increases, the ducts become blocked. The
ducts are important because they carry bile out of the
liver. Bile is a liquid that helps break down fat in food.
If the ducts are blocked, bile builds up in the liver and
damages liver cells. Eventually, PSC can cause liver
failure.
Signs and Symptoms:
Most people
doesn't have any symptoms the disease is discovered only
because of abnormal results of routine blood tests in patients
with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Tiredness, some
abdominal discomfort in the right upper abdomen.
Itching,
jaundice-yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes,
episodes of fever, shaking and chills.
Diagnosis:
Blood test
Cholangiogram
(picture of bile duct)
Liver biopsy
Treatment:
Medication to
relieve itching,
Antibiotics to
treat infections, and vitamin supplements, as people with PSC
are often deficient in vitamins A, D, and K.
In some cases,
surgery to open major blockages in the common bile duct is
also necessary.
Liver
transplantation may be an option if the liver begins to fail.
