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       #Post#: 28--------------------------------------------------
       What is Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis?
   DIR By: hlsypin
       Date: May 15, 2017, 8:51 pm
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       [size=12pt]What is primary sclerosing cholangitis?
       Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, or long-term,
       disease that slowly damages the bile ducts. Bile is a digestive
       liquid that is made in the liver. It travels through the bile
       ducts to the gallbladder and the small intestine, where it helps
       digest fats and fatty vitamins.
       In patients with PSC, the bile ducts become blocked due to
       inflammation and scarring or fibrosis. This causes bile to
       accumulate in the liver, where it gradually damages liver cells
       and causes cirrhosis, or fibrosis of the liver. As cirrhosis
       progresses and the amount of scar tissue in the liver increases,
       the liver slowly loses its ability to function. The scar tissue
       may block drainage of the bile ducts leading to infection of the
       bile.
       PSC advances very slowly. Many patients may have the disease for
       years before symptoms develop. Symptoms may remain at a stable
       level, they may come and go, or they may progress gradually.
       Liver failure may occur 10-15 years after diagnosis, but this
       may take even longer for some PSC patients. Many people with PSC
       will ultimately need a liver transplant, typically about 10
       years after being diagnosed with the disease. PSC may also lead
       to bile duct cancer. Endoscopy and MRI tests may be done to
       monitor the disease.
       Want more information? Please visit
  HTML http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/psc/[/size]
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