Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis) By Tae Hoon Lee, MD, James J Peters VA Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Key Points Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis) is an autoimmune liver disorder characterized by the progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.