Secondary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis - A review of cholangiographic and ultrasound imaging

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) represents a spectrum of chronic progressive cholestatic diseases of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic biliary system characterized by patchy inflammation, fibrosis, and stricturing. Primary and secondary SC must be distinguished given the different treatment modalities, risks of malignancy, and progression to portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatic failure. This review focuses on secondary SC and the pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, clinical presentation, and novel imaging modalities that help to distinguish between these conditions. We explore the detailed use of cholangiography and ultrasound imaging techniques.

Automated summary

Sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic progressive cholestatic disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and stricturing of the biliary system. It is important to differentiate between primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis due to differences in treatment, risk of malignancy, and progression to complications. This review focuses on secondary sclerosing cholangitis and discusses the pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, clinical presentation, and imaging modalities for distinguishing between these conditions.