cholangitis

Question 1

what is cholangitis?

Answer 1

-bacterial infection of the bile ducts that occur in patients with biliary problems and is a medical emergency

Question 2

what are risk factors for cholangitis?

Answer 2

• choledocholithiasis (stones in common bile duct)
• biliary structures
• tumour
• post op ERCP

Question 3

what is the presentation of cholangitis?

Answer 3

Charcot’s triad:

• jaundice
• RUQ pain
• Fever (+/-rigors)

Question 4

investigations for cholangitis?

Answer 4

• blood cultures before antibiotics
• USS
• MRCP
• ERCP

Question 5

treatment for cholangitis?

Answer 5

• IV fluids
• analgesia
• broad spectrum antibiotics
• relief of biliary obstruction with ERCP, if this fails surgery to remove gall stones