Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a condition causing long-term inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of bile ducts in the liver
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a condition causing long-term inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of bile ducts in the liver. These ducts are tubes that allow the liquid (bile) produced by the liver to pass through the intestine allowing fat digestion. This disease predominantly affects men between the age of 25 and 40 years. The damage to the ducts causes accumulation of bile acids, essential components of bile to build up in the liver leading to liver tissue damage, portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the vessels connecting the liver and the gut), and liver failure, and may increase the risk of liver cancer. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare disease that has an impact on bile duct. The bile duct becomes scarred in primary sclerosing cholangitis. This in turn affects the functioning of liver. In other words, primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic disease that affects the liver and the gallbladder. It is mostly observed in men in the ...