Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic disease of the liver. It is often referred to as PSC, and that acronym is used at times on this page. Along with cirrhosis of the liver, it can also lead to other medical conditions, like failure or cancer of this organ.

Symptoms

A number of medical symptoms and signs might present in cases of PSC. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list so other symptoms may occur. Additionally, since these can occur in other conditions or diseases, having one or more of these particular signs does not mean that an individual has PSC. Along with those mentioned below, signs related to cirrhosis of the liver can show up, particularly if the patient has developed that disease as well.

Bile duct infection known as ascending cholangitis
Excretion of excess conjugated bilirubin by the kidneys (causes dark urine)
Fatigue of a chronic nature
Jaundice that is serious and comes with particularly strong itching
Malabsorption
Pale stools

Causes

It is thought that primary sclerosing cholangitis is an autoimmune disease, although the particular cause of the condition is not known. It is brought on when there is continued inflammation that damages and scars the liver's bile ducts.

Diagnosis

Someone who is a professional in the medical field makes a diagnosis of PSC. Imaging to check the bile duct is generally used. One of these options, which involves endoscopy, is known as ERCP. Another, which uses magnetic resonance imagine, is called MRCP. Some other tests may be administered, including a complete blood count, liver function (checking enzyme levels), kidney function, and others. Potential differential diagnoses may also be ruled out in some cases.

Treatment

A bile duct acid which is produced by the liver, known as ursodiol, is the normal treatment method. Use of this to treat those with primary sclerosing cholangitis has been found to lead to decrease levels of liver enzymes that were abnormally high. However, it has not been noted as improving survival or the condition of the organ in question. Liver transplantation is an option for long-term treatment of the condition. Based on one study, the prognosis for individuals with this disease was 10 years (median) until the person either received a liver transplant or died. Overall, the average length of survival time from when the diagnosis was made, according to that study, was 25 years.

Associated conditions

PSC is a potential cause of cirrhosis of the liver. There are also other diseases that are associated with it. For instance, patients with PSC have a high incidence of cholangiocarcinoma, at roughly 10 to 15 percent over a lifetime. Ulcerative colitis and cancer of the colon are two other medical issues that are associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Return home to continue reading about other aspects of cirrhosis of the liver, such as additional medical causes.