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Pathology

Autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammation and stricture formation of the intra and extra hepatic bile ducts

Aetiology

Autoimmune, higher incidence in men, associated with IBD. Ulcerative colitis has a higher prevalence of disease than Crohn’s.

Signs

Excoriations from pruritus, jaundice if late

Symptoms

Pruritus, lethargy, symptoms of IBD

Investigations

Bloods: LFTs show raised bilirubin and ALP 
Auto-Antibody Screen: ANCA positive
Imaging: Ultrasound Abdomen is usually normal, can show bile duct dilatation

Treatment

Medical: ERCP  to dilate ducts
Surgical: Liver transplantation

Prognosis

Median survival 12 years from diagnosis
Increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma, colonic carcinoma and cholangitis

Key Facts

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Key References

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