A-45-year-old man has chronic hepatitis C. Which of the following features is associated?
A. Polyarteritis nodosa
B. Porphyria cutaneatarda
C. Wegener granulomatosis
D. Sclerosing cholangitis
E. keratocon junctivitis sicca
Answer. D. Cirrhosis of the liver
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is
characterized by diffuse inflammation and fibrosis of the biliary system with
irregular patchy strictures. It can present with jaundice, pruritis, fatigue,
and recurrent cholangitis. End-stage liver disease may result in liver
transplantation. There is a strong association with inflammatory bowel disease,
particularly pan-ulcerative colitis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a strong
risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma.
Caroli's disease consists of congenital
segmental, saccular dilatations of the intrahepatic bile ducts.
It is associated with stone formation,
recurrent bacterial cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma.
The parasite clonorchis sinensis can
reside in bile ducts for as long as 30 years and can be a risk factor for
cholangiocarcinoma. Ascaris
lumbricoides may also be a risk factor.
