Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disorder in which inflammation and scarring narrow the bile ducts. These ducts carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Over time, blocked bile flow leads to progressive liver damage. Early diagnosis and management can help slow disease progression and reduce complications.
PSC symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild at first. As the disease advances, you may notice:
The exact cause of PSC remains unknown, but several factors are associated with its development:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, our experienced PSC team offers advanced diagnostics-like onsite MRCP imaging and ERCP-along with personalized medical, nutritional, and supportive care tailored to your needs. We partner with you at every stage to manage symptoms, monitor liver health, and plan for the future. Ready to take control of your Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis? Book your appointment today and start your journey toward better liver wellness.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
PSC is a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of the bile ducts, which impedes bile flow and can lead to progressive liver damage.
The exact cause is unknown, but PSC is thought to involve autoimmune factors, genetic predisposition, and is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease-especially ulcerative colitis.
Diagnosis usually involves blood tests to assess liver function, imaging such as MRCP or ERCP to visualize bile ducts, and sometimes a liver biopsy to confirm the extent of damage.
For medical records and insurance purposes, PSC is classified under ICD-10 code K83.0.
Yes. PSC can lead to complications like cirrhosis and bile duct cancer. With proper management, many patients live 10-20 years or more after diagnosis.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) is a non-invasive MRI technique that provides detailed images of the bile and pancreatic ducts without the need for surgery.
Yes. Up to 80% of people with PSC also have ulcerative colitis, indicating a strong link between these two conditions.
You should consult a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent itching, jaundice, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, or abnormal liver tests.
Treatment may include medications to reduce itching and inflammation, endoscopic procedures (ERCP) to dilate strictures, nutritional support, and liver transplantation in advanced cases.
GastroDoxs in Katy offers specialized PSC care, including onsite MRCP imaging, lab testing, personalized treatment plans, and long-term follow-up.
