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Cholangitis Causes and Risks:
A bacterial infection in the bile duct and its bile is the usual cause of cholangitis. Bacterial infection is caused by obstruction of the duct by a gallstone; tumor ; or in some parts of the world, by a fluke or a worm. The infection may spread to the liver. The risk factor is a previous history of cholelithiasis ( gallstones ). Cholangitis occurs in approximately 1 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention:
Treatment of gallstones , tumors, and infestations (flukes and worms) may reduce the risk for some people.
Symptoms:
- recurrent jaundice
- abdominal pain
- in the right upper quadrant or middle of the upper abdomen
- may be recurrent
- sharp or cramping or dull
- may radiate to the back or below the right shoulder blade
- made worse by fatty or greasy foods
- occurs within minutes following meals
- chills
- fever
- stools, clay colored (may occur)
Signs and Tests:
Tests that show obstruction or infection of the bile duct: Blood tests that may be affected include:
Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy can eliminate the infection. The infected bile ducts may also be drained by endoscopy ( ERCP ) or by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA) .
Prognosis:
The outcome is usually good with treatment, but poor without it.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of cholangitis develop.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if cholangitis symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
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