Recent insights in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the biliary tract leading to progressive obstruction, fibrosis and eventually liver cirrhosis. In some countries it ranks among the most frequent indications for liver transplantation. PSC is also a carcinogenic condition in which the risk of hepatobiliary carcinoma, especially cholangiocarcinoma, is greatly increased. Patients with associated inflammatory bowel disease involving the colon run an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. Currently, there is no medical therapy with a proven benefit in halting disease progression.