Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food.
Cholangitis is most often caused by bacteria. This 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.
The following symptoms may occur:
Quick diagnosis and treatment are very important.
Antibiotics to cure infection are the first treatment done in most cases. ERCP or other surgical procedure is done when the person is stable.
People who are very ill or are quickly getting worse may need surgery right away.
Andrew Muir is a Gastroenterologist in Durham, North Carolina. Muir has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cholangitis. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hepatitis C, Hepatitis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, Cholangitis, and Liver Transplant. He is licensed to treat patients in North Carolina. Muir is currently accepting new patients.
Gideon Hirschfield practices in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Hirschfield is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cholangitis. He is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Cholangitis, Cholestasis, Liver Transplant, and Ileostomy.
Pietro Invernizzi practices in Monza (mb), Italy. Invernizzi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cholangitis. He is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Cholestasis, Cholangitis, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.
The outcome is very often good with treatment, but poor without it.
Complications may include:
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of cholangitis.
Treatment of gallstones, tumors, and infestations of parasites may reduce the risk for some people. A metal or plastic stent that is placed in the bile system may be needed to prevent the infection from returning.
Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare chronic liver disease. It affects the bile ducts of the liver. It can result in bile duct infections, cirrhosis, cancer, and end stage liver disease. Researchers want to learn more about this disease.
Summary: This study will test a drug called A3907 to see how safe and tolerated it is for treating people with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).
Published Date: May 04, 2022
Published By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 146.
Sifri CD, Madoff LC. Infections of the liver and biliary system (liver abscess, cholangitis, cholecystitis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 75.