Acute Cholangitis

Acute cholangitis, previously known as ascending cholangitis, is an infection of the

biliary tree

, most commonly caused by obstruction. In its less severe form, there is biliary obstruction with inflammation and bacterial seeding and growth in the biliary tree. In the more severe, life-threatening form, known as toxic cholangitis or cholangitis with

sepsis

, patients have purulent biliary tree contents, as well as evidence of sepsis, hypotension, multi-organ failure, and mental status changes.
It is a serious illness that requires treatment.
Symptoms

Abdominal pain

  • Severe

  • In the upper right region, Located in middle upper region

  • Gradually increases, Rapidly developing

common

Fever

  • With chills

  • Less than 38°C (100.4°F), Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F)

common

Yellow eyes or skin

common

Sore abdomen

  • Upper middle abdomen, Upper right quadrant of abdomen

common

Feel like vomiting

or Throwing up

Poor appetite

Low blood pressure

or Rapid heart rate

Confusion

Risk factors

Gallstones

Gallbladder cancer

or Pancreatic cancer

Treatment
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment should start promptly. Because cholangitis is caused by an infection, treatment will include antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Secondarily, the root cause needs to be treated. In the case of gallstones, the stones might be treated by removing them when the stones are in the common bile duct. In many cases, gallbladder removal surgery might be done. For strictures in the bile duct, a procedure might be done to place a stent and to keep the duct open. In the case where there’s a narrowing of the bile ducts because of a tumor (which is not common), that could require surgery or other forms of treatment.
Recommended specialist

If you have Acute Cholangitis, then a visit to a gastroenterologist is highly recommended.

Contact a

Gastroenterologist

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