Biliary Disorders Study Notes
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Questions and Answers

What is biliary atresia characterized by?

  • Closed or absent bile duct (correct)
  • Formation of gallstones
  • Incomplete formation of bile acids
  • Inflammation of the gallbladder

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with biliary atresia?

  • Dark urine
  • Pale colored stools
  • Ascites (correct)
  • Jaundice

What is the usual finding in an ultrasound for a baby with biliary atresia?

  • Absence or abnormal gallbladder (correct)
  • Enlarged liver
  • Normal gallbladder structure
  • Presence of gallstones

What is the purpose of the Kasai procedure?

<p>Creating a conduit for bile drainage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is referred to as biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Liver damage from biliary obstruction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of biliary obstruction that can result in liver cirrhosis?

<p>Chronic viral infection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what age group does biliary atresia typically present?

<p>In newborn babies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of an idiopathic condition like biliary atresia?

<p>Unexplained origin of the condition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary complication associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Cholangiocarcinoma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primarily associated with intrahepatic bile duct involvement?

<p>Primary biliary cirrhosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What autoimmune disorder is associated with primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Sjogren's disease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of cholangiocarcinoma due to bile flow obstruction?

<p>Jaundice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does primary sclerosing cholangitis typically manifest in relation to other conditions?

<p>It is frequently associated with ulcerative colitis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory finding is commonly elevated in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the major risk factor for developing cholangiocarcinoma related to chronic biliary inflammation?

<p>Clonorchis sinensis infection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which disease do patients commonly present with itching as a predominant symptom?

<p>Primary biliary cirrhosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of pruritus in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Impaired excretion of bile acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory finding is most indicative of primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Elevated alkaline phosphatase level (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What autoimmune disorder is commonly associated with primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Sjogren's syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might primary biliary cirrhosis be misdiagnosed in women?

<p>Itching could be attributed to a skin condition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antibody is considered the hallmark for diagnosing primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Anti-mitochondrial antibody (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment approach for managing primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of primary biliary cirrhosis does elevated bilirubin typically occur?

<p>In the late stage of the disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What imaging finding is characteristic of primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Absence of biliary obstruction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key symptom women may present with in primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Fatigue and pruritus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What level of total cholesterol may be seen in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Greater than 1000 mg/dL (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of granulomatous inflammation in primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Involves interlobular bile ducts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis for patients with advanced primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Poor, often requiring liver transplant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of primary biliary cirrhosis is targeted by the medical therapy ursodeoxycholic acid?

<p>To replace toxic bile acids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic feature of primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Inflammation, fibrosis, and strictures in the biliary tree (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primary sclerosing cholangitis most commonly associated with?

<p>Ulcerative colitis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What lab finding is commonly elevated in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Increased conjugated bilirubin levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic method is often used to confirm primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fibrosis is characteristic in a biopsy of bile ducts from a sclerosing cholangitis patient?

<p>Onion skin fibrosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'beading' refer to in primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>A pattern of strictures and dilations in bile ducts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical presentation of someone with sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Right upper quadrant pain and jaundice (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antibody is commonly associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>p-ANCA antibody (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates primary sclerosing cholangitis from primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>Presence of bile duct inflammation and strictures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the bile ducts in primary biliary cirrhosis?

<p>They remain structurally normal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of treatment, what is often involved for managing primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Endoscopic therapy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible complication of prolonged cholestasis due to primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Development of bile stones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic finding in the imaging of a patient with sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Strictures alternating with dilations (beading) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is typically seen as a result of obstruction in primary sclerosing cholangitis?

<p>Fatigue and jaundice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bile is formed in the ______ and transmitted via the common hepatic duct.

<p>liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biliary atresia is characterized by a closed or absent ______.

<p>bile duct</p> Signup and view all the answers

The symptoms of biliary atresia include jaundice and dark ______.

<p>urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Kasai procedure creates a conduit for bile drainage using a portion of the ______.

<p>small intestine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic obstruction of biliary flow can lead to liver damage known as biliary ______.

<p>cirrhosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ultrasounds in infants with biliary atresia often show absence of the ______.

<p>gallbladder</p> Signup and view all the answers

Absence of the common ______ duct is typically observed in babies with biliary atresia.

<p>bile</p> Signup and view all the answers

In biliary atresia, the condition usually presents in ______ babies.

<p>newborn</p> Signup and view all the answers

An endoscope is placed into the biliary tree to dilate or stent the bile ducts, breaking up those ______ and allowing bile to flow.

<p>strictures</p> Signup and view all the answers

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are at increased risk for developing ______, a rare cancer of the bile ducts.

<p>cholangiocarcinoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primary biliary cirrhosis is associated with ______'s disease and primarily involves the intrahepatic bile ducts.

<p>Sjogren</p> Signup and view all the answers

The predominant symptom of primary biliary cirrhosis is ______, which can significantly affect the patient's quality of life.

<p>itching</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elevated anti-mitochondrial ______ are a hallmark finding in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

<p>antibodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sclerosing cholangitis is often considered a complication of ______ colitis.

<p>ulcerative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cholangiocarcinoma usually presents with symptoms arising from obstruction of bile flow, including ______ and right upper quadrant pain.

<p>jaundice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic biliary inflammation has key risk factors, including primary sclerosing cholangitis and a rare helminth infection called ______ sinensis.

<p>clonorchis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disorder mediated by ______, which attack interlobular bile ducts.

<p>T-cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

The condition leads to granulomatous ______ within the liver due to the immune response.

<p>inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Initial presentation symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis often include fatigue and ______.

<p>pruritus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with ______ colitis.

<p>ulcerative</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hallmark of primary sclerosing cholangitis is inflammation, ______, and strictures in the biliary tree.

<p>fibrosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Impaired excretion of bile acids leads to elevated levels of bile acids in the ______.

<p>serum</p> Signup and view all the answers

In primary biliary cirrhosis, the alkaline phosphatase level is typically ______.

<p>high</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primary biliary cirrhosis involves the bile ducts inside the ______.

<p>liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

A key laboratory finding in primary sclerosing cholangitis is elevated ______ levels.

<p>IgM</p> Signup and view all the answers

A hallmark for diagnosing primary biliary cirrhosis is the presence of ______ antibodies.

<p>anti-mitochondrial</p> Signup and view all the answers

In biliary cirrhosis, the intra-hepatic bile ducts are completely ______.

<p>normal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis may develop xanthomas, which are deposits of ______ in the skin.

<p>lipids</p> Signup and view all the answers

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis often present with right upper quadrant ______.

<p>pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

An absence of biliary obstruction can be confirmed through imaging, often showing normal ______ ducts.

<p>bile</p> Signup and view all the answers

The characteristic finding upon biopsy of the bile ducts in sclerosing cholangitis is called ______ fibrosis.

<p>periductal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a treatment used to improve ______ function in primary biliary cirrhosis.

<p>liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

Women with primary biliary cirrhosis often present with severe itching and may also experience ______.

<p>fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

An obstruction in sclerosing cholangitis can lead to symptoms like jaundice and ______ fatigue.

<p>fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

One common autoimmune disorder associated with primary biliary cirrhosis is ______ syndrome.

<p>Sjogren's</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ duct becomes stuck together in primary sclerosing cholangitis, impeding bile flow.

<p>biliary</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elevated bilirubin levels in primary biliary cirrhosis typically occur ______ in the disease process.

<p>late</p> Signup and view all the answers

To confirm the diagnosis of sclerosing cholangitis, a ______ is typically performed.

<p>cholangiogram</p> Signup and view all the answers

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-______ is one method for obtaining a cholangiogram.

<p>pancreatography</p> Signup and view all the answers

Primary biliary cirrhosis commonly affects ______, making them more susceptible to this condition than men.

<p>women</p> Signup and view all the answers

In sclerosing cholangitis, strictures and dilations create a pattern known as ______.

<p>beading</p> Signup and view all the answers

Diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis can begin with an astute clinician ordering an ______ level test.

<p>Alk Phos</p> Signup and view all the answers

Liver biopsy is usually not required to diagnose primary biliary cirrhosis since other features often suffice, such as elevated ______ levels.

<p>alkaline phosphatase</p> Signup and view all the answers

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis may have elevated levels of alkaline ______.

<p>phosphatase</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scar tissue from inflammation in sclerosing cholangitis can lead to obstructed bile ______.

<p>flow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biliary Atresia

A newborn condition where the bile ducts are closed or absent, causing bile flow obstruction from the liver to the intestines.

Bile Duct Obstruction

A blockage preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the small intestines.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood (often a sign of liver/bile problems).

Acholic Stools

Pale or clay colored stools indicating a lack of bile in the digestive tract.

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Kasai Procedure

A surgical procedure creating a new pathway for bile to drain from the liver into the intestines.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Chronic liver damage caused by unknown factors that affects the bile ducts and eventually leads to cirrhosis.

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Biliary Cirrhosis (old term)

Older term for liver damage due to long-term blockage of the bile ducts.

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Absence of Gallbladder/Common Bile Duct

A sign of Biliary Atresia, where these structures are either missing or abnormal.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

An autoimmune liver disease causing bile duct damage, leading to cirrhosis in the absence of extra-hepatic obstruction.

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Autoimmune Disorder (PBC)

T-cells attack interlobular bile ducts in the liver in PBC.

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Granulomatous Inflammation (PBC)

A feature of PBC where inflammation forms granulomas.

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High Yield Symptom (PBC)

Pruritus (itching) often precedes jaundice (yellowing).

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Pruritus Cause (PBC)

Impaired bile acid excretion leading to high serum bile acid levels depositing in the skin.

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Clinical Presentation (PBC)

Women more commonly presenting with fatigue and severe itching (pruritus).

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Diagnosis (PBC)

High Alk Phos (alkaline phosphatase) level and anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA).

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Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA)

Hallmark of PBC, found in most patients.

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Alkaline Phosphatase (Alk Phos)

Blood test that's markedly elevated in PBC.

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Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Liver tests; some mildly elevated in PBC, notably Alk Phos.

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Elevated Serum lipids (PBC)

Cholesterol and other lipids can be elevated due to impaired biliary flow.

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Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA)

Medications, similar to bile acids; used for treating PBC.

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Sjogren's Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder frequently associated with PBC.

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Liver Biopsy (PBC)

Gold standard for diagnosing PBC, but often not needed.

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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

An autoimmune disease causing inflammation, fibrosis, and strictures in the bile ducts, obstructing bile flow.

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Bile Duct Strictures

Narrowing of the bile ducts due to scar tissue.

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Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease strongly associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

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Cholestasis

Impaired bile flow.

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Alkaline Phosphatase

A lab value that increases with bile duct problems.

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Conjugated Bilirubin

A lab value that increases with problems of bile outflow.

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Right Upper Quadrant Pain

Pain felt in the right upper part of the abdomen, often a symptom of liver or bile duct problems.

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Jaundice

Yellowing of skin and eyes due to buildup of bilirubin.

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Periductal Fibrosis

Scar tissue forming around the bile ducts; "onion-skin" appearance.

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ERCP

Endoscopic procedure to visualize the biliary tree.

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MRCP

MRI procedure to visualize the biliary tree.

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Biliary Strictures and Dilations

Beading pattern on cholangiogram; areas of narrowing and widening due to inflammation and scar tissue in bile ducts.

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Elevated IgM

High level of IgM antibody, a characteristic feature of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

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p-ANCA Antibodies

Antibodies associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Chronic liver condition that damages bile ducts.

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Intrahepatic Bile Ducts

Bile ducts located inside the liver.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

A condition where the intrahepatic bile ducts are affected, but extrahepatic ducts are normal, often associated with Sjogren's disease, and presents with itching.

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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Affects both intra and extrahepatic bile ducts and is a complication of UC (Ulcerative Colitis).

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Cholangiocarcinoma Risk Factors

Primary sclerosing cholangitis and the Chinese liver fluke are significant risk factors.

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Cholangiocarcinoma

A rare cancer of the bile duct epithelial cells.

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Sclerosing Cholangitis Symptoms

Abnormal cholangiograms, potentially jaundice, right upper quadrant pain and elevated Alk Phos levels.

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Endoscopic Biliary Drainage

Procedure where an endoscope is used to dilate or stent bile ducts, helping bile flow.

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Annual Screening

Crucial for patients with sclerosing cholangitis to monitor for cholangiocarcinoma.

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Clonorchis sinensis

A helminth infection (Chinese liver fluke) that can lead to biliary problems, acquired from contaminated fish.

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Biliary Atresia

A newborn condition where bile ducts are closed or absent, blocking bile flow from the liver to the intestines.

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Bile Duct Obstruction

A blockage that prevents bile from traveling from the liver to the intestines.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

Chronic liver damage that affects bile ducts, leading to cirrhosis (scarring) from unknown causes.

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Biliary Cirrhosis (old term)

Older term for liver damage caused by long-term bile duct blockage.

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Kasai Procedure

A surgical procedure creating a new pathway for bile to drain from the liver to the intestines.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Absence of Gallbladder/Common Bile Duct

A characteristic finding in biliary atresia, where these structures are either absent or abnormal.

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Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes from a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, often a sign of liver/bile problems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acholic Stools

Pale or clay-colored stools that indicate a lack of bile in the digestive tract.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

An autoimmune liver disease affecting intrahepatic bile ducts, often associated with Sjogren's syndrome, presenting with itching.

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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

An autoimmune disease causing inflammation and strictures in both intra and extrahepatic bile ducts, often linked to ulcerative colitis.

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Cholangiocarcinoma

A rare cancer of the bile duct epithelial cells.

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Clonorchis sinensis

A parasitic infection (Chinese liver fluke) that is a risk factor for biliary problems.

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Endoscopic Biliary Drainage

Procedure using an endoscope to dilate or stent bile ducts, improving bile flow.

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Annual Screening (PSC)

Regular checks for cholangiocarcinoma in patients with sclerosing cholangitis.

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Intrahepatic Bile Ducts

Bile ducts located within the liver.

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Extrahepatic Bile Ducts

Bile ducts located outside the liver.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

Autoimmune liver disease damaging bile ducts, leading to cirrhosis without extra-hepatic obstruction.

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PBC Autoimmune Mechanism

T-cells attack interlobular bile ducts in the liver.

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PBC Granulomatous Inflammation

Inflammation forming granulomas in the liver, a feature of PBC.

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PBC Common Symptom 1

Severe itching (pruritus) often precedes jaundice, is a common early sign.

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PBC Pruritus Cause

Impaired bile acid excretion leads to high serum bile acid levels and skin itching.

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PBC Diagnosis Clue

High alkaline phosphatase (Alk Phos) blood test.

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PBC Diagnosis Confirmation

Presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in the blood.

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PBC Associated Disorders

Often associated with other autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome.

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PBC Treatment

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) helps slow disease progression.

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PBC Liver Function

Liver function tests (LFTs) may show mild abnormalities, especially elevated Alk Phos.

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PBC Serum Lipids

Elevated serum cholesterol and other lipids due to impaired bile flow.

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PBC Imaging

Imaging reveals normal bile ducts, important in diagnosis.

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PBC Clinical Presentation

Common presentation includes itching, fatigue, and elevated Alk Phos.

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PBC Liver Biopsy

The gold standard for diagnosis but often not needed when other tests are positive.

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PBC Disease Progression

Ultimately leads to liver cirrhosis requiring transplantation.

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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

Autoimmune disease causing inflammation, fibrosis, and strictures in the bile ducts, obstructing bile flow.

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Bile Duct Strictures

Narrowing of the bile ducts due to scar tissue.

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Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Inflammatory bowel disease strongly associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

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Cholestasis

Impaired bile flow.

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Alkaline Phosphatase

Lab value that increases with bile duct diseases.

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Conjugated Bilirubin

Lab value that increases with bile outflow problems.

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Right Upper Quadrant Pain

Pain in the right upper abdomen, often a symptom of liver or bile duct problems.

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Jaundice

Yellowing of skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup.

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Periductal Fibrosis

Scar tissue forming around bile ducts, an "onion skin" appearance.

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ERCP

Endoscopic procedure to visualize the biliary tree.

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MRCP

MRI procedure to visualize the biliary tree.

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Biliary Strictures and Dilations

Beading pattern on cholangiogram; areas of narrowing and widening in bile ducts due to inflammation and scarring

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Elevated IgM

High level of IgM antibody, a characteristic feature of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

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p-ANCA Antibodies

Antibodies associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

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Study Notes

Biliary Disorders: Study Notes

  • Biliary Tree Overview: Bile is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the duodenum via the common bile duct. It passes through the sphincter of Oddi and the Ampulla of Vater.

Biliary Atresia

  • Definition: A condition where the bile ducts are absent or closed, typically present in newborns.
  • Cause: Idiopathic (unknown).
  • Symptoms: Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools (acholic stools).
  • Diagnosis: Ultrasound reveals absence or abnormality of the gallbladder and common bile duct, with no other obstructive causes.
  • Treatment: Kasai procedure, a surgery to create a conduit for bile drainage from the liver using a portion of the small intestine.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

  • Definition: Biliary cirrhosis that develops without extra-hepatic obstruction.
  • Cause: Autoimmune T-cell mediated attack on interlobular bile ducts. Granulomatous inflammation is a key feature.
  • Prevalence: More common in women.
  • Initial Symptoms: Often fatigue and intense itching (pruritus).
  • Mechanism of Itching: Impaired bile acid excretion leads to increased serum bile acid levels, depositing in the skin. Itching often precedes jaundice.
  • Diagnosis: High alkaline phosphatase (Alk Phos) levels, positive anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) (95% of patients), sometimes anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) (70% of patients).
  • Other findings: Mild AST and ALT elevations, elevated serum lipids (total cholesterol can be high), absence of extrahepatic biliary obstruction on imaging.
  • Treatment: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to reduce liver damage, potentially slowing disease progression. Liver transplant may be necessary.
  • Association: Often associated with other autoimmune disorders, most commonly Sjogren's syndrome.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

  • Definition: Autoimmune condition with inflammation, fibrosis, and strictures in the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts.
  • Cause: Autoimmune.
  • Pathology: Fibrosis causes strictures and blockages in the bile duct, leading to impaired bile flow.
  • Prevalence: Strongly associated with ulcerative colitis (90% of PSC patients have UC).
  • Clinical Features: Biliary obstruction symptoms (right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, jaundice), elevated Alk Phos and conjugated bilirubin, mild AST and ALT elevations.
  • Diagnosis: Cholangiogram (ERCP or MRCP) reveals strictures (beading appearance) in intra and extrahepatic ducts.
  • Biopsy Findings: Periductal fibrosis (onion skin fibrosis).
  • Elevated IgM: Often observed.
  • Elevated p-ANCA: Positive in up to 80% of PSC patients (also associated with UC).
  • Treatment: Endoscopic therapy (dilation or stenting), with liver transplantation sometimes required.
  • Risk: High risk of cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of bile duct epithelial cells), requiring annual screening.

Cholangiocarcinoma

  • Definition: Rare cancer of bile duct epithelial cells.
  • Risk Factors: Chronic biliary inflammation (e.g., PSC, clonorchis sinensis infection).

Biliary Disorders Key Differences Summary

Feature Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Primary Area of Involvement Intrahepatic bile ducts Intra and extrahepatic bile ducts
Clinical Presentation Itchiness is prominent, often before jaundice Jaundice and/or pain, frequently associated with ulcerative colitis
Associated Autoimmune Disorders Often associated with Sjogren's syndrome Strongly associated with ulcerative colitis
Imaging Findings Normal extrahepatic ducts Intra and extrahepatic duct strictures (beading)
Primary Treatment Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) Endoscopic therapy, liver transplantation

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