Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) refers to a chronic liver disease where inflammatory and scarring disorders remain in the lower ducts of the bile ducts. These ducts drain bile system forward to the small bowel. In the long term, the obstruction of bile will cause progressive destruction of the liver. The disease can be slowed down and complications lowered by early diagnosis and treatment.
PSC symptoms are not episodic, and can sometimes be mild. Due to the progression of the disease, you can observe:
The real cause of PSC is not known but there are a number of factors related to its development:
In the example of GastroDoxs in Katy, our PSC team can provide both high-level diagnostics-like onsite MRCP imaging and ERCP-like services and customized medical, nutritional, and supportive services directly related to your requirements. We collaborate with you at all levels to fight the symptoms and follow up the liver condition and strategize the future. Willing to be in charge of your Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis? Make the booking of your appointment and begin work on enhancing 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 an inflammatory, scarring, and constricting liver disease marked by a blockage of the bile ducts, this prevents the flow of the bile and is associated with gradual liver disease.
PSC has no known cause though it is believed to be influenced by autoimmune factors, genetic predisposition and is commonly linked to inflammatory bowel disease-with ulcerative colitis being the most common.
Diagnosis is often based on blood tests that would evaluate the functioning of the liver, imaging as MRCP or ERCP to visualize the bile ducts, and occasionally on a liver biopsy, to determine the level of damage.
To provide medical records and insurance, PSC is grouped to the ICD-10 code of K83.0.
Yes. PSC may cause such complications as cirrhosis and bile duct cancer. When well managed, a decent number of patients can live 1020 and beyond after the diagnosis.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) is another non-invasive MRI method which gives more detailed images of the ducts of the billet and the pancreatic ducts without trying to operate on it.
Yes. Up to 80% of people with PSC also have ulcerative colitis, indicating a strong link between these two conditions.
Gastroenterologist needs to be consulted in case of persistent itching, jaundice, unexplainable fatigue, abdominal pains, 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 provides special PSC care in the form of onsite MRCP imaging, laboratory tests, individual treatment plans, and follow-ups.
