Acute Suppurative Cholangitis

Acute suppurative cholangitis is life-threatening biliary infection with pus under pressure, due to obstruction (stones/stricture/tumor), presenting with fever, jaundice, RUQ pain, hypotension, and altered mental status (Reynolds pentad). Treatment: resuscitation (IV fluids/vasopressors); broad-spectrum antibiotics; urgent biliary drainage (ERCP/PTCD/nasobiliary drainage); ICU monitoring; treat source (stone extraction/stent/tumor); monitor for septic shock/multi-organ failure; follow-up imaging.

Common Symptoms

Fever; jaundice; RUQ pain; hypotension; confusion; by obstruction

Causes and Pathogenesis

Obstruction + bacterial ascent causes pus under pressure and sepsis.

Treatment

Urgent drainage (ERCP/PTCD); antibiotics; ICU; treat source

Preventive Measures

Early biliary decompression; treat stones/strictures.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hepatobiliary-surgery/Gastroenterology/Emergency/Critical-care 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.