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Sclerosing cholangitis
Definition:
Sclerosing cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver without a specified cause. Alternative Names:
Primary sclerosing cholangitis Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The bile ducts within and outside the liver become narrowed and scarred. The cause is unknown. The disease is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and genetic factors may play a causative role. The disease is progressive and most patients develop biliary cirrhosis, persistent jaundice, and liver failure. The diagnosis is made, in part, by eliminating other diseases of the biliary system -- for example, by absence of stones in the gallbladder or biliary system. The disease occurs more often in men. This disorder is rare in children.
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