Cholangitis

Author: Homayoun Shojamanesh, MD; Chief Editor: Julian Katz, MD more...

Updated: Jan 5, 2012

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Background
Pathophysiology
Epidemiology
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Background

Cholangitis is an infection of the biliary tract with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Many patients with acute cholangitis respond to antibiotic therapy; however, patients with severe or toxic cholangitis may not respond and may require emergency biliary drainage. Jean M. Charcot recognized this illness in 1877 when he described a triad of fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain. In 1959, Reynolds and Dargon described a more severe form of the illness that included the additional components of septic shock and mental confusion, which is referred to as the Reynolds pentad.

Pathophysiology

Historically, choledocholithiasis was the most common cause of biliary tract obstruction resulting in cholangitis. Over the past 20 years, biliary tract manipulations/interventions and stents have reportedly become more common causes of cholangitis. Hepatobiliary malignancies are a less common cause of biliary tract obstruction and subsequent bile contamination.^[1]

Mortality/Morbidity

The condition has significant potential for mortality and morbidity, especially if left untreated. Reported mortality rates vary from 13-88%.

Race

Cholangitis is reported in all races. One variant, Asian cholangitis (also referred to as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis), is observed with increased frequency in Southeast Asia.^[2]

Sex

The condition is reported in both females and males and has no clear predominance in either.

Age

The condition mostly occurs in adults, with a reported median age at onset of 50-60 years.

Proceed to Clinical Presentation

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Homayoun Shojamanesh, MD Former Fellow, Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institutes of Health

Homayoun Shojamanesh, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Praveen K Roy, MD, AGAF Gastroenterologist, Ochsner Clinic Foundation; Adjunct Associate Research Scientist, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute; Editor-in-Chief, The Internet Journal of Gasteroenterology; Editorial Board, Signal Transduction Insights; Editorial Board, The Internet Journal of Epidemiology; Editorial Board, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Review Letter

Praveen K Roy, MD, AGAF is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Victor Nwakakwa, MD, MRCP (UK) Clinical Instructor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Virginia Health System

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Anil Minocha, MD, FACP, FACG Professor of Medicine, Director of Digestive Diseases, Medical Director of Nutrition Support, Medical Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Internal Medicine Department, University of Mississippi Medical Center; Clinical Professor, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Anil Minocha, MD, FACP, FACG is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Forensic Examiners, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Clinical Research, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

James L Achord, MD Professor Emeritus, Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Mississippi School of Medicine

James L Achord, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Mississippi State Medical Association, New York Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Alex J Mechaber, MD, FACP Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Alex J Mechaber, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, and Society of General Internal Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Julian Katz, MD Clinical Professor of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Julian Katz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, American Trauma Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Lee KF, Chong CN, Ng D, et al. Outcome of surgical treatment for recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: a single-centre study. HPB (Oxford). 2009;11(1):75-80. [Medline]. [Full Text].
Fujii Y, Ohuchida J, Chijiiwa K, Yano K, Imamura N, Nagano M, et al. Verification of Tokyo Guidelines for diagnosis and management of acute cholangitis. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci. Oct 28 2011;[Medline].
Shojaiefard A, Esmaeilzadeh M, Ghafouri A, Mehrabi A. Various techniques for the surgical treatment of common bile duct stones: a meta review. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2009;2009:840208. [Medline].
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Mueller T, Beutler C, Picó AH, Shibolet O, Pratt DS, Pascher A, et al. Enhanced innate immune responsiveness and intolerance to intestinal endotoxins in human biliary epithelial cells contributes to chronic cholangitis. Liver Int. Nov 2011;31(10):1574-88. [Medline].
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