What are the complications of primary sclerosing cholangitis?
Cirrhosis As primary sclerosing cholangitis progresses, the disease causes cirrhosis of the liver (irreversible scarring of the liver) and liver failure; leading to the consideration of liver transplantation. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is, in fact, one of the more common reasons for liver transplantation. Patients with advanced cirrhosis may develop frequent infections, fluid in the ankles and the abdomen (ascites), internal bleeding from rupture of esophageal varices, and mental confusion with progression to coma (hepatic encephalopathy). Cholangitis The narrowing of the bile ducts predisposes the bile to bacterial infection (cholangitis). Cholangitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection with fever, shaking chills (rigors), jaundice, and upper abdominal pain. Cholangitis can result in bacterial infection spreading to the blood stream (a condition called sepsis). Sepsis can cause damage to kidneys and lungs and even cause shock. Cholangiocarcinoma Cholangiocarcin
