ASCENDING CHOLANGITIS Flashcards
1
Q
What is it and what organism?
A
Ascending cholangitis is a bacterial infection (typically E. coli) of the biliary tree.
2
Q
What is the most common cause?
A
gallstones.
3
Q
What is Charcot triads?
A
right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, fever and jaundice occurs in about 20-50% of patients
4
Q
what is Reynolds pentad?
A
- fever is the most common feature, seen in 90% of patients
- RUQ pain 70%
- jaundice 60%
4 and 5. hypotension and confusion are also common (the additional 2 factors in addition to the 3 above make Reynolds’ pentad)
5
Q
What is the 1st line investigation?
A
US - bile duct dilation and bile duct stones
6
Q
Management
A
intravenous antibiotics
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after 24-48 hours to relieve any obstruction
