Primary sclerosing cholangitis

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Itchiness
  • Weight loss
  • Yellowing of your eyes and skin (jaundice)

Primary sclerosing cholangitis may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. In some cases, the only indication of this disorder may be abnormal blood tests suggesting that your liver isn't functioning well.

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you.

References
  1. Tung BY, et al. Sclerosing cholangitis and recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/124031765-2/0/1389/0.html. Accessed March 5, 2009.
  2. Silveira MG, et al. Clinical features and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;14:3338.
  3. Lopez MJ, et al. Primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis. The American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patient/gihealth/sclerosing.asp. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  4. Primary sclerosing cholangitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/primarysclerosingcholangitis/index.htm. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  5. Liver health tips. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. http://www.aasld.org/yourliver/Pages/LiverHealthTips.aspx. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  6. Rosenthal TC, et al. Fatigue: An overview. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1173.

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April 11, 2009

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