Primary biliary cirrhosis other diagnostic studies

Other diagnostic studies for primary biliary cirrhosis include liver biopsy, which demonstrates inflammation of the bile ducts,characterized by intraepithelial lymphocytes and periductal epithelioid granulomata.

Primary biliary cirrhosis is characterized by interlobular bile duct destruction. Histopathologic findings of primary biliary cirrhosis include:^[1]

• Inflammation of the bile ducts, characterized by intraepithelial lymphocytes
• Periductal epithelioid granulomata.

A liver biopsy is necessary to determine the stage of disease.

Abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan is usually performed to rule out blockage to the bile ducts. Previously most suspected sufferers underwent a liver biopsy, and if uncertainty remained endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP, an endoscopic investigation of the bile duct).

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