Primary sclerosing cholangitis: evolving concepts in diagnosis and treatment

Dig Dis. 1997 Jan-Apr;15(1-2):23-41. doi: 10.1159/000171586.

Abstract

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an increasingly recognized cause of chronic cholestatic liver disease. The etiology is unknown, although a number of immunologic and nonimmunologic factors have been considered. The most important diagnostic findings are diffuse irregularity and narrowing of extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. The prognosis varies, and a number of relatively unique complications may develop. No adequate treatment exists, although a number of potential treatments have been evaluated. Liver transplantation still remains the most appropriate treatment for end-stage disease. These various topics related to primary sclerosing cholangitis are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic / pathology
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / diagnosis*
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / etiology
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / immunology
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / pathology
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / therapy
  • Cholestasis / etiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Prognosis