Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Irritation, scarring, and narrowing of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. Bile builds up in the liver and may damage its cells.
Part of: Cholangitis
About Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
PSC is a disease that damages and blocks bile ducts inside and outside the liver. Bile is a liquid made in the liver. Bile ducts are tubes that carry bile out of the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. In the intestine, bile helps break down fat in food.
In PSC, inflammation of the bile ducts leads to scar formation and narrowing of the ducts over time. As scarring increases, the ducts become blocked. As a result, bile builds up in the liver and damages liver cells. Eventually, scar tissue can spread throughout the liver, causing cirrhosis and liver failure.
What causes PSC?
The causes of PSC are not known. Genes, immune system problems, bacteria, and viruses may play roles in the development of the disease.
PSC is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). About three out of four people with PSC have a type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. The link between PSC and IBD is not yet understood….Read more about Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis NIH – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases