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Published on: March 28, 2018
Sclerosing cholangitis: a focus on secondary causes.
Rupert Abdalian1, E Jenny Heathcote
1Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) mimics primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) but arises from known causes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of SSC can lead to a more favorable outcome than initially expected.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Biliary tract diseases
- Cholangiopathies
Background:
- Secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) shares features with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
- SSC originates from identifiable pathological processes, unlike PSC.
- Distinguishing SSC from PSC is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC).
- To highlight the diverse causes and associations of SSC.
- To emphasize the importance of excluding secondary causes in PSC diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of secondary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Analysis of clinical and cholangiographic features of SSC.
- Compilation of reported associations and etiologies of SSC.
Main Results:
- SSC can be caused by various conditions including gallstones, trauma, chemotherapy, and pancreatitis.
- Recent reports link SSC to autoimmune pancreatitis, portal biliopathy, and immune deficiencies.
- SSC may present with features mimicking PSC, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition and treatment of SSC can improve patient outcomes.
- Exclusion of secondary causes is essential for accurate PSC diagnosis.
- Understanding the broad spectrum of SSC is critical for effective clinical management.
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