biliary cirrhosis [L, bilis + kirrhos, yellow-orange, osis, condition] , an inflammatory condition in which the flow of bile through the ductules of the liver is obstructed. Primary biliary cirrhosis most commonly affects women in their middle years and is often associated with antimitochondrial antibodies. Its cause is unknown. It is characterized by itching, jaundice, steatorrhea, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. The disease is slowly progressive. Care must be taken to rule out secondary biliary cirrhosis caused by obstruction of the biliary structures outside the liver, because the latter condition can be treated more successfully. Compare biliary calculus, biliary obstruction. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Billiary cirrhosis is characterized by itching, jaundice, steatorrhea, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment may include ursodeoxycholic acid.
