Chronic Cholangitis

Chronic cholangitis is long-standing inflammation of bile ducts (primary biliary cholangitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis/IgG4-related/recurrent pyogenic), leading to biliary fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma risk. Treatment: identify/treat cause (PBC: ursodeoxycholic acid; PSC: surveillance/stenting/colon cancer screening; IgG4: corticosteroids; recurrent stones: extraction); manage complications (pruritus/osteoporosis/varices); screen for cholangiocarcinoma; liver transplant for end-stage; follow-up imaging (MRCP/ERCP) and labs.

Common Symptoms

Fatigue; pruritus; jaundice; elevated cholestatic enzymes; chronic

Causes and Pathogenesis

Autoimmune/recurrent infection causes chronic biliary inflammation and fibrosis.

Treatment

Treat cause; manage complications; screen cholangiocarcinoma; transplant if end-stage

Preventive Measures

Regular monitoring; treat underlying cause early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hepatology/Gastroenterology/Rheumatology/Transplant 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.