cholangitis Flashcards
1
Q
what is cholangitis?
A
-bacterial infection of the bile ducts that occur in patients with biliary problems and is a medical emergency
2
Q
what are risk factors for cholangitis?
A
- choledocholithiasis (stones in common bile duct)
- biliary structures
- tumour
- post op ERCP
3
Q
what is the presentation of cholangitis?
A
Charcot’s triad:
- jaundice
- RUQ pain
- Fever (+/-rigors)
4
Q
investigations for cholangitis?
A
- blood cultures before antibiotics
- USS
- MRCP
- ERCP
5
Q
treatment for cholangitis?
A
- IV fluids
- analgesia
- broad spectrum antibiotics
- relief of biliary obstruction with ERCP, if this fails surgery to remove gall stones
