Acute Cholangitis

Acute Cholangitis is a sudden infection of the bile ducts, which are tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. This condition affects the digestive system and can cause serious health problems if not treated quickly. It usually happens when the bile ducts become blocked, often by gallstones, leading to a buildup of bile and bacteria. Common symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The infection can spread rapidly and cause severe illness, making it a medical emergency.

Acute Cholangitis is an infection and inflammation of the biliary tree caused by obstruction of the bile ducts, most commonly due to choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones). The obstruction leads to bile stasis and bacterial overgrowth, typically involving gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter species. The condition is characterized by the classic Charcot’s triad of fever, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and jaundice, and may progress to Reynolds pentad with hypotension and altered mental status in severe cases. It is a potentially life-threatening emergency due to the risk of sepsis and biliary cirrhosis if untreated. Diagnosis and prompt management are critical to prevent complications such as liver abscess or septic shock.