Non-neoplastic diseases of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts

Non-neoplastic diseases of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts are collectively called “cholangiopathies”, in which biliary epithelial cells or cholangiocytes are the primary target of the disease process. The spectrum of cholangiopathies ranges from acquired conditions due to disordered immunity, infections, ischaemia, drugs/toxins to congenital disorders of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. The diagnosis of these diseases is best made through consideration of the possible differential diagnoses, familiarity with the histologic patterns of injury and a correlation with the clinical setting. This review will provide an insight into the non-neoplastic biliary pathology with an overview of the various patterns of bile-duct injury and emphasis on clinico-pathologic correlation.