Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Introduction

The prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in the United States is approximately 1–6 cases per 100,000 population. Most patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are men (75%) with an average age of approximately 40 years at diagnosis. The overwhelming majority of patients affected with primary sclerosing cholangitis are Caucasian. The etiology is unknown but current opinion favors an immune cause. Management of this disease in the early stages involves the use of drugs to prevent disease progression. Endoscopic and surgical approaches are reserved for the time when symptoms develop. Liver transplantation may ultimately be required and offers the only chance for a complete cure. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are at an increased risk for cholangiocarcinoma (10–15%).