Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease that affects the bile ducts in the liver. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment. The diagnosis of PBC involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy.
Medical History Evaluation: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of liver diseases. This helps in understanding the progression and severity of the condition.
Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a physical examination to check for any signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, enlarged liver, or abdominal tenderness.
Blood Tests: Blood tests are essential for diagnosing PBC. The doctor will look for specific antibodies in the blood, such as antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), which are present in about 95% of PBC cases. Elevated levels of liver enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), may also indicate liver damage.
Imaging Studies: Imaging techniques like ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to assess the liver's structure and rule out other liver diseases.
Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A small sample of liver tissue is extracted using a needle and examined under a microscope to assess the extent of liver damage and inflammation.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, itching, abdominal pain, or jaundice. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the progression of Primary Biliary Cholangitis and improve long-term outcomes.