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Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Evidence: T Cell

Names

Primary sclerosing cholangitis
PSC
Chronic obliterative cholangitis
Fibrosing cholangitis
Stenosing cholangitis

Description

PSC is a rare progressive disorder of the liver which is characterized by inflammation, thickening, and abnormal formation of fibrous tissue within the passages that carry bile from the liver (bile ducts). Both bile ducts within the liver and outside the liver are affected.

Prevalence

US Cases: 15,000 - 24,000 [Liang 2017]. Males are affected twice as often as females.

Typical Age of onset

30-40 years.

Symptoms

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Itching (pruritus)

  • Obstructive jaundice

  • Malaise

  • Nausea

  • Dark Urine

  • Light colored stools

  • Enlargement of the liver and spleen