Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (Gallbladder Dz)
Description
A progressive disease of the bile ducts of the liver and gallbladder characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. The bile ducts develop strictures causing obstruction of bile. The back up of bile causes cirrhosis and liver failure. Bile duct cancer may occur in up to 50% of patients. The disorder can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms
Jaundice (yellowing skin), abdominal pain (usually in the right upper abdomen), itching, ill feeling (malaise), loss of appetite, indigestion, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, excess fat in stool (steatorrhea).
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the diagnosis and the extent of disease include: ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram), liver biopsy, and/or MRCP (abdominal MRI/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography).
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Lipase
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Endoscopic balloon dilation and stenting of strictures may relieve symptoms. Antibiotics are prescribed for co-existing infections. Some patients are candidates for liver transplantation.
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