Sclerosing cholangitis

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Bile pathway

Digestive system

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures may relieve symptoms. Endoscopic stent (drain or tube) placement for major strictures may be a possibility. Liver transplantation prior to liver failure is a possibility in some cases. The medications cholestyramine and ursodiol may be used in some circumstances, although medications have not been effective in improving the prognosis. Antibiotics are used for infections within the bile ducts.

Prognosis is variable. Some patients develop recurrent infections of the bile ducts. Some patients have progressive chronic liver disease with ascites and varices. Patients have an increased risk of developing cancer of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), and liver transplant may become necessary.

• Liver failure
• Cholangitis (infection of the biliary system)
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Vitamin deficiencies

Call your health care provider if persistent jaundice and itching are present.

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.