Definition and symptoms
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a disease that affects the bile ducts. Bile ducts carry digestive enzymes from the liver and gall bladder to the small intestine. In PSC, the bile ducts become inflamed and scarred over time, resulting in blockages and narrowing. Overtime, this inflammation may lead to liver failure and possibly the development of cancer. Symptoms of the disease typically include yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, change in stool color, confusion or disorientation, and swelling of the lower extremities or abdominal cavity.
Risk factors
Typically diagnosed in middle age, people at risk for this condition include men, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and those that live in the United States or northern Europe.
Diagnostics
Patients with PSC need lifetime monitoring of liver function with blood work, ultrasounds, MRIs, and endoscopy.
Treatment
Symptomatic treatment is available for PSC. At times, endoscopic interventions are necessary to open blockages or screen for cancer. Ultimately, many patients with severe, end-stage PSC may need a liver transplant.
Our providers
Expert gastroenterology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our gastroenterologists.