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Sclerosing cholangitis

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• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Sclerosing cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver without a specified cause.

Alternative Names:

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

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 ( Crohn's disease  and ulcerative colitis ), and genetic factors may may also be responsible. 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.

• Review Date: 5/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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