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Primary biliary cirrhosis - Overview

Alternative Names

PBC

Definition of Primary biliary cirrhosis:

Primary biliary cirrhosis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the bile ducts of the liver, which blocks the flow of bile. This obstruction damages liver cells.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of inflamed bile ducts in the liver is not known. The disease more commonly affects middle-aged women.

Long-term bile obstruction is believed to lead to liver cirrhosis. The disease may be associated with autoimmune disorders such as:

Arthritis
CREST syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Raynaud's phenomenon

Digestive system

Bile pathway

Reviewed last on: 5/20/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Silveira MG. Treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis: therapy with choleretic and immunosuppressive agents. Clin Liver Dis. 2008;12:425-443.

Mavo MJ. Natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis. 2008;12:277-288.