Cholangitis

Cholangitis is inflammation of bile ducts, acute (ascending infection from obstruction: stones/stricture/tumor) presenting with Charcot triad (fever/jaundice/RUQ pain) or Reynolds pentad (sepsis), chronic (PBC/PSC/IgG4/recurrent). Treatment: acute: IV fluids/broad antibiotics, urgent ERCP/PTCD drainage/stent; chronic: treat cause (PBC: ursodeoxycholic acid; PSC: surveillance/stenting; IgG4: steroids; recurrent stones: extraction); monitor for biliary cirrhosis/cholangiocarcinoma; follow-up imaging (MRCP/ERCP).

Common Symptoms

Fever/jaundice/RUQ pain; sepsis; by obstruction/infection

Causes and Pathogenesis

Obstruction + bacterial ascent causes bile-duct inflammation/infection.

Treatment

Acute: drainage + antibiotics; chronic: treat cause; monitor cirrhosis/cholangiocarcinoma

Preventive Measures

Early biliary drainage; treat stones/strictures; vaccination.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hepatobiliary-surgery/Gastroenterology/Emergency/Infectious-disease department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.