How is primary sclerosing cholangitis diagnosed?
Since people with primary sclerosing cholangitis may not have noticeable symptoms for many years, the disease often is suspected due to abnormal blood tests (taken for other reasons) that show a high level of liver enzymes (which indicate abnormal liver function). The disease also might be suspected due to a history of inflammatory bowel disease. X-ray techniques can reveal whether bile ducts are blocked; however they may not be able to determine the cause or site of the possible obstruction. Sclerosing cholangitis is diagnosed by injecting dye into the bile ducts and taking an x-ray. The test can determine the cause and site of the blockage. After the child is sedated (given medication that has a soothing and calming effect), a lighted and flexible endoscope (instrument used to visually examine the inside of certain body parts) is inserted through the mouth, stomach and then into the small intestine. A thin tube is placed through the scope and into the pancreatic and bile ducts, and t
