Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

OVERVIEW

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a condition characterized by scarring and inflammation of the bile ducts.

Source
WHAT CAUSES IT?

The underlying etiology of this condition is idiopathic.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

This is a progressive process that can lead to complication of cholestasis as well as hepatic failure.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors:

Ulcerative colitis

Initial Presentation

  • Asymptomatic: many patients are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.
  • Jaundice
  • Pruritus
CLINICAL WORKUP

Serum Studies:

Liver Function Tests:

  • Elevated ALP

MRCP

HOW DO WE TREAT IT?

Palliative Treatment:

Ballon dilation with a stent placement can be done.

Curative treatment:

This will depend on the location of the strictures:

  • Intrahepatic requires a liver transplant
  • Extra hepatic: hepatoenteric anastomosis with removal of the extrahepatic ducts and T-tube placement for external drainage of bile.
ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 01.22.2017