21st April 2024

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is heavily associated with Ulcerative Colitis. It causes inflammation and scarring of intra and extra hepatic ducts, leading to cholestasis, bile duct strictures and hepatic fibrosis, which may eventually cause features associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension (ascites, varices etc). It classically presents as jaundice and itch. Patients will have a raised ALP and gamma GT. 4% of patients with UC have PSC, whilst approximately 80% of patients with PSC have UC. It is also associated with Crohn’s, but to a much lesser degree. There is also an association between PSC and HIV.