[Primary sclerosing cholangitis].
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic fibrous-obliterative inflammation of bile ducts of unknown origin. Genetic, infectious and immunological mechanisms are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis. The clinical signs and symptoms in the early stages are non-specific, laboratory evaluation shows a marked elevation of alkaline phosphatase and a lower rise of transaminases. The diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Histologic findings are non-specific. About 60% of patients with PSC have chronic inflammatory bowel disease, mainly ulcerative colitis. The risk of developing carcinoma of the bile ducts is also increased in patients with PSC. Therapy with glucocorticoids, colchicin, immunosuppressive agents, cholestyramin and penicillamin generally is unsatisfactory. In advanced stages liver transplantation should be performed.
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II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik der TU München.
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D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000473:pathology; D015209:Cholangitis, Sclerosing / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology
Primär sklerosierende Cholangitis.