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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

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Diagnosis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Blood tests to check levels of liver enzymes are the first step in diagnosing Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Doctors confirm the diagnosis using cholangiography, which provides pictures of the bile ducts.

Cholangiography can be performed in the following ways:

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography uses an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube - that goes down the mouth, beyond the stomach, and into the duodenum (pronounced - doo-AW-duh-num - is the first part of the * small intestine, right after your stomach) to reach an area in the digestive tract where dye can be injected into the bile ducts. X-rays are taken when the dye is injected. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography also can be used to take a tissue sample or to treat blocked ducts.
• Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography. This procedure involves inserting a needle through the skin and placing a thin tube into a duct in the liver. Dye is injected through the tube and x-rays are taken.
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain pictures of the bile ducts. MRI machines use radio waves and magnets to scan internal organs and tissues. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography does not involve using x-rays or inserting instruments into the body. This safe and painless test is increasingly used for diagnosis.

Other testing may include ultrasound exams and a liver biopsy. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of organs inside the body. A biopsy involves removal of a small piece of tissue for examination with a microscope.

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Small Intestine
The small intestine is the organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 22 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. More about Small Intestine.

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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
June 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

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