acute cholangitis

Question 1

what is acute cholangitis?

Answer 1

infection of the biliary tree caused by an obstruction causing inflammation

Question 2

what are the key diagnostic factors of acute cholangitis?

Answer 2

1. presence of risk factors
2. RUQ/upper abdominal pain and tenderness
3. jaundice

Question 3

what are the risk factors for acute cholangitis?

Answer 3

age greater than 50 years
cholelithiasis
benign stricture
malignant stricture

Question 4

what are the first line investigations to order?

Answer 4

FBC
serum urea and creatinine 
ABG analysis 
CRP
serum LFTs
serum potassium and magnesium

Question 5

what would be the 1st line management for an acutely unwell patient with this condition

Answer 5

Iv antibiotics, fluid resuscitation and biliary decompression