The terms Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis refer to the same chronic liver disease, but the name has evolved over time. Here’s a concise comparison:

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC):
• Current, preferred term since 2015.
• Reflects the disease’s nature more accurately, as “cirrhosis” only occurs in late stages, and many patients don’t develop it.
• Autoimmune condition targeting small bile ducts in the liver, leading to bile buildup, inflammation, and liver damage.
• Symptoms: fatigue, itching, jaundice, abdominal pain.
• Diagnosis: blood tests (e.g., antimitochondrial antibodies), liver biopsy, imaging.
• Treatment: ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), obeticholic acid, symptom management, liver transplant in severe cases.
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis:
• Older term, used before the renaming to avoid confusion and stigma around “cirrhosis.”
• Identical disease process, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment as PBC.
• The name change aimed to reduce misunderstanding, as cirrhosis isn’t always present and can deter early diagnosis.

Key Difference: Only the name differs; the condition, pathology, and management are the same. “Cholangitis” emphasizes bile duct inflammation, aligning with the disease’s primary feature.

Disclaimer: OWERL is not a doctor; please consult one.