Ascending cholangitis

Revision as of 19:47, 29 September 2019 by ClaireLewis (talk | contribs)

Background

  • Also known as "ascending cholangitis"
  • Requires the presence of biliary obstruction and infected biliary tract

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Gallstones are classified as cholesterol stones and pigmented stones (black and brown), and are present in approx 20% of females and 8% of males in the United States
  • These stones cause the majority of all biliary tract problems, and depending on where the stone become impacted, specific problems occur.
  • Bile flows out the gallbladder, down the cystic duct into the common bile duct, and ultimately into the 1st portion of the duodenum.

Gallbladder disease types

Gallbladder anatomy (overview).
Gallbladder anatomy

Causes

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

RUQ Pain

Evaluation

MRCP image of two stones in the distal common bile duct

Work-up

  • Labs
    • CBC: Leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance
    • LFTs: Elevated alk phos and conjugated bilirubin
    • GGT elevation much more sensitive than alk phos
    • Blood cultures
  • Imaging
    • RUQ Ultrasound
      • Dilatation of CBD ( > 6mm) and presence of choledocholithiasis
      • May miss small CBD stones and in acute cases CBD may not have had time to dilate
  • ERCP
    • Should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and for possible intervention

Management

  • Aggressive sepsis resuscitation

Antibiotics

Coverage is targeted at E. coli, Enterococcus, Bacteroides, and Clostridium (anerobic)

  • expand coverage for MRSA if severe sepsis or septic shock
    • Vancomycin 15-20mg/kg PLUS any of the following options

Consultation

  • Involvement with GI for ERCP and general surgery for acute cholecystectomy is necessary for source control and biliary decompression

Disposition

  • Admit

See Also

References