Update on the optimisation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Abstract

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial reuse. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic disorder with a prevalence of 16.2 per 100 000 population. It is characterised by progressive inflammation and destruction of the intrahepatic and extraheptic bile ducts culminating in progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. The course of PSC is complicated by biliary strictures, recurrent cholangitis and a 4001500 times higher risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and other hepatopancreatobiliary malignancy than the general population. 4–9 Treatment of PSC revolves around managing symptoms and complications as they arise. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) is a valuable tool that allows therapeutic interventions to optimise biliary drainage and facilitate biliary sampling. Despite the utility, controversies remain as to when ERC should be performed. 12 This article aims to clarify some of the issues surrounding this and to provide practical guidance on the ERCbased assessment and management of biliary strictures in PSC. bile ducts culminating in progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. The course of PSC is complicated by biliary strictures, recurrent cholangitis and a 4001500 times higher risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and other hepatopancreatobiliary malignancy than the general population. 4–9 Treatment of PSC revolves around managing symptoms and complications as they arise. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) is a valuable tool that allows therapeutic interventions to optimise biliary drainage and facilitate biliary sampling. Despite the utility, controversies remain as to when ERC should be performed. 12 This article aims to clarify some of the issues surrounding this and to provide practical guidance on the ERCbased assessment and management of biliary strictures in PSC.