Primary sclerosing cholangitis is commonly associated with which condition?

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is commonly associated with which condition?

• A. Alcoholic liver disease
• B. Acute viral hepatitis
• C. Inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis
• D. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Answer: (C)

Inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis, is the most common condition associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis. This link is well established: a large proportion of people with PSC also have UC, and some individuals with UC are found to develop PSC over time. Because of this strong connection, patients diagnosed with PSC are often screened for colitis, and PSC carrying patients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, underscoring the need for ongoing GI surveillance. Alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and acute viral hepatitis are not characteristically linked to PSC in the way inflammatory bowel disease is, even though patients may have overlapping liver issues.

Inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis, is the most common condition associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis. This link is well established: a large proportion of people with PSC also have UC, and some individuals with UC are found to develop PSC over time. Because of this strong connection, patients diagnosed with PSC are often screened for colitis, and PSC carrying patients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, underscoring the need for ongoing GI surveillance.

Alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and acute viral hepatitis are not characteristically linked to PSC in the way inflammatory bowel disease is, even though patients may have overlapping liver issues.