PSC stands for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a rare and serious chronic liver disease. It is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Understanding PSC
- Bile: Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats.
- Bile ducts: These are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
- Inflammation and Scarring: In PSC, the bile ducts become inflamed and scarred, causing them to narrow and block the flow of bile.
- Complications: The blockage of bile flow can lead to serious complications, including:
- Liver damage: The buildup of bile in the liver can damage the liver cells.
- Cirrhosis: Long-term liver damage can lead to cirrhosis, a condition where the liver becomes scarred and unable to function properly.
- Liver failure: In severe cases, PSC can lead to liver failure, which requires a liver transplant.
Symptoms of PSC
Symptoms of PSC often develop gradually and can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak
- Itching: Intense itching of the skin
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice): This occurs when bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the blood.
- Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Dark urine and pale stools: These are signs of bile duct blockage.
Diagnosis of PSC
Diagnosing PSC typically involves a combination of tests, including:
- Blood tests: To check for elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels.
- Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, to visualize the bile ducts.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the mouth and down the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualize the bile ducts.
- Biopsy: A small sample of liver tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of PSC
There is no cure for PSC, but treatment aims to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:
- Medications: To relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections.
- Surgery: To remove blockages in the bile ducts.
- Liver transplant: For patients with advanced liver disease.
