Diseases of the Liver and Biliary Tree

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of diseases of the biliary tree. Topics covered include: congenital biliary abnormalities, genetic cholangiopathies, autoimmune cholangiopathies, inflammatory and drug-related cholangiopathies, and cholangiocarcinoma. Given their particular importance (even for clinicians working with adults), pediatric conditions are also examined. In addition, a special section is devoted to pregnancy and diseases of the biliary tree, and to transplants and diseases of the biliary tree. Each chapter offers up-to-date information on the management of the diseases discussed. Moreover, the book addresses new treatments for autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases, reflecting the new therapeutic targets that have recently been discovered. Examples include farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-agonists, together with new drugs that affect the composition of bile flow. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for a broad range of practitioners.