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Primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a disease of the liver marked by the slow destruction of the bile ducts. When this ducts are damaged bile builds up in the liver and over time damages the tissue. Over time primary biliary cirrhosis can result in liver failure.

Signs and symptoms

• fatigue
• pruritus (itchy skin)
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• xanthalasmas (focal collections of cholesterol in the skin)
• fluid retentiond

Etiology

The cause of the disease us unknown at this time, but research indicates that there is an immunological basis for the disease, making it an autoimmune disorder.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis can be made using radiological studies, lab tests, and/or doing a liver biopsy.