Autoimmune-associated liver diseases
Autoimmune disorders are diseases caused by the body producing an inappropriate immune response against its own tissues. Sometimes these conditions can affect the liver.
PBC (Primary biliary Cirrhosis)
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic disease that inflames and destroys bile ducts in the liver, impedes the flow of bile, and damages liver tissue. It is a progressive disorder that affects more women than men. The exact cause of PBC is not known, but it is thought to be an autoimmune process.
Read more on the MayoClinic.com page on PBC.
Tests
- AMA (Antimitochondrial antibody) – primary test
- Immunoglobulin M
- ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)
- Liver biopsy
PSC (Primary sclerosing cholangitis)
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic disease that is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. PSC involves the inflammation, scarring, and destruction of bile ducts, mostly those outside the liver, impedance of bile flow, and damage to liver tissue. The exact cause of PSC is not known. The disorder is more common in men than women.
Read more on the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse page on PSC.
Tests
- Liver biopsy
Imaging scans
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC)
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
For more information on these imaging procedures, see the web site RadiologyInfo.
