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Cholangitis is an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bilefrom the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur when the duct is blocked by something, such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver.
Risk factors include a previous history of gallstones, sclerosing cholangitis, HIV, narrowing of the common bile duct, and, rarely, travel to countries where you might catch a worm or parasite infection.
SymptomsThe following symptoms may occur:
- Abdominal pain
- In the right upper side or middle of the upper abdomen
- May come and go
- Pain is sharp, crampy, or dull
- Pain may move to the back or below the right shoulder blade
- Chills
- Fever
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) -- may come and go
Tests may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
The following blood tests may be done:
- Bilirubinlevel
- Liver enzyme levels
- Liver function tests
- White blood count (WBC)
Quick diagnosis and treatment are very important.
Antibiotics to cure infection are tried first for most patients. ERCP or other surgical procedure is done when the patient is stable.
Patients who are very ill or are quickly getting worse may need surgery right away.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome is usually good with treatment, but poor without it.
ComplicationsCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of cholangitis.
PreventionTreatment of gallstones, tumors, and infestations of parasites may reduce the risk for some people. A metal or plastic stent within the bile system may be needed to prevent recurrence.
ReferencesAttasaranya S, Fogel EL. Choledocholithiasis, ascending cholangitis, and gallstone pancreatitis. Med Clin North Am. 2008;92(4):925-960.
Afdhal NH. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 159.
What else can I help you with?
Is cholangitis caused by tumors?
Tumors can block the bile duct and also cause cholangitis
Where might one learn more information about cholangitis symptoms?
Cholangitis is an infection on the bile duct. Symptoms of cholangitis can be found online at Mayo Clinic, Right Diagnosis, Medicine Net, and Symptoms Diagnosis Book.
Icd-9 code for primary sclerosing cholangitis?
The ICD-9 code for primary sclerosing cholangitis is 576.1.
What is cholangitis?
Inflammation of the bile duct.
What is needed for cholangitis?
The two things that are needed for cholangitis to occur are: 1) obstruction to bile flow, and 2) presence of bacteria within the bile ducts
What are symptoms of cholangitis?
Abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice
Which terms means inflammation of the bile duct?
cholangitis
Where does Oriental cholangitis occur?
It occurs mainly in Southeast Asia
Why is the patient experiences fever during ascending cholangitis?
du to an infection
Where does recurrent pyogenic cholangitis occur?
It occurs mainly in Southeast Asia
What does Cholangitis cause?
It often causes abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice
What does the disease primary sclerosing cholangitis damage?
The disease primary sclerosing cholangitis damages to a person's liver. Many people do not experience symptoms. It causes inflammation of the bile ducts both inside and outside the liver.
