Ulcerative colitis is associated with which liver condition?

Ulcerative colitis is associated with which liver condition?

• A. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
• B. Autoimmune hepatitis
• C. Hepatic steatosis
• D. Budd-Chiari syndrome

Answer: (A)

Ulcerative colitis is most strongly associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis. PSC is a chronic cholestatic liver disease in which inflammation and fibrosis affect the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. A large portion of people with PSC have a history of UC, and UC patients are often screened for PSC because of this link. Clinically, PSC can present with signs of cholestasis such as jaundice and itch, and labs typically show a cholestatic pattern with elevated alkaline phosphatase. Diagnosis is usually via MRCP or cholangiography, which reveals multifocal strictures and the characteristic beading of the bile ducts. PSC increases the risk of biliary complications and cholangiocarcinoma, and UC with PSC also raises colorectal cancer risk, making regular colonoscopic surveillance important. Treatment centers on symptom management and slowing progression, with ursodeoxycholic acid used in some cases, and liver transplantation for advanced disease. Other liver conditions listed do not have as strong a, or as specific, an association with ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is most strongly associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis. PSC is a chronic cholestatic liver disease in which inflammation and fibrosis affect the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. A large portion of people with PSC have a history of UC, and UC patients are often screened for PSC because of this link. Clinically, PSC can present with signs of cholestasis such as jaundice and itch, and labs typically show a cholestatic pattern with elevated alkaline phosphatase. Diagnosis is usually via MRCP or cholangiography, which reveals multifocal strictures and the characteristic beading of the bile ducts. PSC increases the risk of biliary complications and cholangiocarcinoma, and UC with PSC also raises colorectal cancer risk, making regular colonoscopic surveillance important. Treatment centers on symptom management and slowing progression, with ursodeoxycholic acid used in some cases, and liver transplantation for advanced disease. Other liver conditions listed do not have as strong a, or as specific, an association with ulcerative colitis.