Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Cholangitis

Acute cholangitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain that develops as a result of stasis and infection in the biliary tract. It can be a life-threatening condition if it is not recognized early. Patients with severe cholangitis may present with hypotension, and mental status changes. The most frequent causes of acute cholangitis are biliary calculi, benign biliary stricture, and malignancy. The most common pathogens isolated are gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species). A diagnosis of acute cholangitis requires evidence of systemic inflammation, cholestasis, and imaging with biliary obstruction. Imaging studies may consist of ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and/or endoscopic ultrasound. The mainstay of treatment consists of fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, and biliary drainage. Penicillin/β-lactamase, third-generation cephalosporin, or carbapenem are all acceptable choices for first-line treatment. In patients with severe cholangitis, biliary drainage should be performed within 24 hours. Patients with severe acute cholangitis require urgent (within 24 hours) biliary decompression. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography remains the preferred modality for biliary drainage. In conclusion, acute cholangitis is mostly treatable when recognized and treated early. Recognizing and initiating early treatment leads to markedly decreased patient morbidity and mortality.