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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Abstract

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Synonyms of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

  • Chronic Obliterative Cholangitis
  • Fibrosing Cholangitis
  • Stenosing Cholangitis

Disorder Subdivisions

  • No subdivisions found.

General Discussion

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare progressive disorder characterized by inflammation, thickening, and abnormal formation of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) within the passages that carry bile from the liver (bile ducts). This often results in the obstruction or interruption of bile flow from the liver (cholestasis). Symptoms associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis include fatigue and itching (pruritis), followed by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes (jaundice). In addition, affected individuals may have dark urine, light-colored stools, abdominal pain, and/or nausea. In some cases, the liver may also become abnormally enlarged (hepatomegaly). According to the medical literature, approximately 50 to 75 percent of individuals with primary sclerosing cholangitis may also have ulcerative colitis. The exact cause of primary sclerosing cholangitis is not known.

Organizations related to Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

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