Ascending cholangitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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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. | 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. | ||
== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Tests may include: | |||
*Abdominal ultrasound | |||
*Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts. A bendable, lighted tube (endoscope) about the thickness of your index finger is placed through your mouth and into your stomach and top part of the small intestine (duodenum). In the duodenum a small opening is identified (ampulla) and a small plastic tube (cannula) is passed through the endoscope and into this opening. Dye (contrast material) is injected and X-rays are taken to study the ducts of the pancreas and liver. | |||
*Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)which is a noninvasive test that can image the biliary tree. | |||
*Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA). | |||
The following blood tests may be done: | |||
*Bilirubin level | |||
*Liver enzyme levels | |||
*Liver function tests | |||
*White blood count (WBC) | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Revision as of 20:02, 29 July 2011
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.[2] Phone:617-849-2629;
Overview
Cholangitis is an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food.
What causes ascending cholangitis?
Cholangitis 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.
what are the symptoms of ascending cholangitis?
The following symptoms may occur:
- Abdominal pain which is in the right upper side or middle of the upper abdomen and may come and go. Pain is sharp, crampy, or dull and 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
Who is at risk for ascending cholangitis?
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.
Diagnosis
Tests may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that enables your surgeon to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts. A bendable, lighted tube (endoscope) about the thickness of your index finger is placed through your mouth and into your stomach and top part of the small intestine (duodenum). In the duodenum a small opening is identified (ampulla) and a small plastic tube (cannula) is passed through the endoscope and into this opening. Dye (contrast material) is injected and X-rays are taken to study the ducts of the pancreas and liver.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)which is a noninvasive test that can image the biliary tree.
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA).
The following blood tests may be done:
- Bilirubin level
- Liver enzyme levels
- Liver function tests
- White blood count (WBC)
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for ascending cholangitis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating ascending cholangitis