Sclerosing cholangitis is a disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts in the liver, resulting in narrowed or blocked bile pathways. Gallbladder disease can increase the chance of sclerosing cholangitis in several ways.
Gallbladder disease can result in the development of gallstones, which can block the bile ducts and cause inflammation and damage. Hardening and narrowing of the ducts can ultimately lead to sclerosing cholangitis.
In addition, gallbladder disease can cause persistent inflammation of the bile ducts, eventually contributing to scarring and narrowing. This constant inflammation could be caused by bile and stomach enzymes repeatedly irritating the bile ducts.
Individuals with gallbladder disease are more susceptible to bacterial infections in the bile ducts. These infections can induce ductal irritation and scarring, resulting in sclerosing cholangitis.
These symptoms may not be evident in every individual with gallbladder disease-induced sclerosing cholangitis, many people have no symptoms when they are first diagnosed.
Gallstones: Gallstones develop when the bile in the liver hardens and are a frequent source of gallbladder illness. If these stones become stuck in the bile ducts, they can cause inflammation, scarring, and obstructions, leading to sclerosing cholangitis.
Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the bile ducts can develop due to repetitive gallstone blockage or other sources of inflammation. Scarring and constriction of the vessels can result in sclerosing cholangitis.
Gallbladder surgery: In some cases, sclerosing cholangitis, also known as cholecystectomy, can occur after gallbladder surgery. Hence, this is a rare complication but may occur due to injury to the bile ducts during surgery or other factors.
Biliary infections: Sclerosing cholangitis can develop due to inflammation and fibrosis brought on by conditions in the bile ducts or liver.
Genetics: Some genetic factors, such as a family history of the disease, may raise the chance of getting sclerosing cholangitis.
Gallstones: Sclerosing cholangitis is more likely to occur in people with a history of gallstones.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Individuals with IBD, especially those with ulcerative colitis, have a higher chance of sclerosing cholangitis.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop sclerosing cholangitis than women.
Age: Sclerosing cholangitis is more likely to occur as you get older, usually in ages 30 to 50.
Liver disease: Sclerosing cholangitis is more likely occur in people with pre-existing liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Parasitic infections: Liver parasites like liver flukes can increase the chance of sclerosing cholangitis.
Diagnosis of sclerosing cholangitis caused by gallbladder disease mainly involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans or MRI, and ERCP or MRCP tests to examine the bile ducts. Doctors may perform a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Sclerosing cholangitis complications can include:
The treatment for sclerosing cholangitis caused by gallbladder disease typically involves managing symptoms, treating complications, and improving liver function. Doctors may prescribe medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to improve liver function and slow disease progression as well as antibiotics to treat infections.
Surgery, such as a liver transplant, may be required in extreme instances. Healthcare professionals may use endoscopic treatments like balloon dilation or stenting to free up obstructed bile ducts and increase bile movement.
Prevention of sclerosing cholangitis may involve:
It is vital to follow a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring by a healthcare provider to manage the condition and prevent complications.