Navigate Up

Full Library - A-Z Index

#
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Print This Page
Digestive system
Digestive system
Bile pathway
Bile pathway

Sclerosing cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis refers to swelling (inflammation), scarring, and destruction of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver.

Alternative Names

Primary sclerosing cholangitis; PSC

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of this condition is usually unknown.

The disease may be seen in patients who have:

Genetic factors may also be responsible. Sclerosing cholangitis occurs more often in men than women. This disorder is rare in children.

Sclerosing cholangitis may also be caused by:

Symptoms

The first symptoms are usually:

  • Fatigue
  • Itching
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

However, some people may have no symptoms.

Other symptoms may include:

Signs and tests

Some people do not have symptoms, but blood work shows that they have abnormal liver function. The doctor will look for:

  • Diseases that cause similar problems
  • Diseases that often occur with this condition (especially inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Gallstones

Tests that show cholangitis include:

Blood tests include:

Treatment

Medications that may be used include:

  • Cholestyramine
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol)
  • Fat-soluble vitamins (D, E, A, K)
  • Antibiotics for infections in the bile ducts
  • Medications that quiet the immune system (prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate)

Surgical procedures:

  • Inserting a long, thin tube with a balloon at the end to open up narrowing (endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures)
  • Placement of a drain or tube for major narrowing (strictures) of biliary ducts
  • Proctocolectomy (for those who have both ulcerative colitis and sclerosing cholangitis)
  • Liver transplant

Expectations (prognosis)

How well patients do varies. The disease tends to get worse over time and sometimes patients develop:

Some patients develop infections of the bile ducts that keep returning.

People with this condition have an increased risk of developing cancer of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma). They should be checked regularly with a liver imaging test and blood tests.

Complications

References

Gordon FD. Primary sclerosing cholangitis. Surg Clin North Am. 2008;88:1385-1407.

Ross AS, Kowdley KV. Sclerosing cholangitis and recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 68.

Updated: 8/11/2011

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studis, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


Back to Index

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com