Massachusetts General Hospital | Digestive Healthcare Center

Daniel S. Pratt, MD, director of the Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Clinic (right), with a patient

Your Clinic Experience

The Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital provides expert diagnosis and care for patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG4-associated liver disease, beginning with a comprehensive evaluation. Read frequently asked questions about autoimmune and cholestatic liver disease

During your first visit to the clinic, you will undergo:

• A thorough review of your medical history
• A complete physical examination

You also may be offered the chance to participate in one of the many research studies being carried out in the Mass General Liver Center.

After a complete evaluation, you will work with your physician to determine if further tests are needed. These tests can include:

• Blood tests
• Radiographic studies such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI
• Endoscopic procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP)
• Liver biopsy, which may be recommended to confirm your diagnosis and help assess your response to treatment

At either the initial evaluation or after additional testing, you will meet with members of your care team for a discussion of your diagnosis, treatment options and what you can expect in the future based on your particular diagnosis. You and any family members or friends who accompany you will be encouraged to ask questions and those questions will be fully addressed.

Personalized, Multidisciplinary Treatment

Treatment plans vary depending on the individual patient, but autoimmune liver disease is typically treated with a course of medication used to suppress the immune system. Our recommendations will be fully and clearly outlined in a letter that will be sent to your local specialist, your primary care physician and any other health care provider you would like.

The Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Clinic team works closely with experienced and talented colleagues in oncology, transplant and hepatobiliary surgery, radiology and pathology. We will provide you easy access to any other Mass General specialists you may need to ensure you receive the best care possible.

After your initial appointment, our specialists will continue to monitor your progress and response to treatment. The frequency of your visits will be determined by your specific circumstances. Our ultimate goal is to keep your liver healthy and we are dedicated to working with you to ensure this happens.

Clinical TrialsThe Mass General Liver Clinic is conducting several studies to monitor the progress of patients with all forms of chronic liver disease. The PSC Registry at Mass General is focused on learning more about primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Depending on your diagnosis, you may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.

Learn more about clinical trials at the Liver Center

Referring a PatientTo refer a patient with diagnosed or suspected autoimmune or cholestatic liver disease, please contact the Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Clinic at 617-726-3313.  

In order to determine the urgency of the appointment and to be certain the appropriate appointments are made, we ask that records be faxed to us at 617-724-6832 prior to scheduling the appointment. It is also critical that we receive the slides of all previous liver biopsies and a CD containing all previous radiologic studies, either before or on the day of the patient’s appointment. This will allow the patient to get the most out of his/her visit to the center.