Primary sclerosing colangitis is a serious liver disease characterized by scarring, inflammation and blockages of the bile ducts. Bile becomes unable to leave the liver, resulting in cirrhosis, liver failure and on occasion, liver cancer. The condition also interferes with the absorption of several fat soluble vitamins, resulting in symptoms of malnutrition. It is not clearly known what causes colangitis, but often arises in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.