Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cholangitis history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Obtaining a thorough and accurate history is the most important part of making a diagnosis of cholangitis. A positive history of gallstones and common bile duct stones, recent cholecystectomy, endoscopic manipulation or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholangiogram and history of HIV or AIDS all point towards a diagnosis of cholangitis in the presence of Charcot’s triad. Symptoms of cholangitis include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, jaundice/yellowish discoloration of skin, acholic stools/pale stools, pruritus, malaise, and confusion.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
- A positive history of gallstones and common bile duct stones, recent cholecystectomy, endoscopic manipulation via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholangiogram and history of HIV or AIDS
- Symptoms of cholangitis include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, jaundice/yellowish discoloration of skin, acholic stools/pale stools, pruritus, malaise, and confusion.
History
A complete history may help determine the appropriate therapy and prognosis. A positive history of the following is suggestive of cholangitis in the presence of positive signs and symptoms:[1][2]
- Gallstones and common bile duct stones
- Recent cholecystectomy
- Endoscopic manipulation of the biliary tree or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- History of HIV or AIDS
- AIDS-related cholangitis is characterized by extrahepatic biliary edema, ulceration, and obstruction.
Common symptoms
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Common symptoms of cholangitis include: [1][2][4][5]
- Abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant
- May be felt in the back or below the right shoulder blade
- Episodic
- Sharp, cramp-like, or dull
- Fever, maybe associated with rigors and chills
- Jaundice/ yellowish discoloration of skin and sclera
- Nausea and vomiting
Less common symptoms
Less common symptoms of cholangitis include
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Afdhal, NH; Goldman, L & Schafer, Al (2011), Goldman’s Cecil Medicine (24 ed.), Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Mosler P (2011). “Diagnosis and management of acute cholangitis”. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 13 (2): 166–72. doi:10.1007/s11894-010-0171-7. PMID 21207254.
- ↑ By Bobjgalindo – Own work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10762793
- ↑ Liu, Chi-Leung. & Fan, Sheung-Tat. (2001), Surgical Treatment: Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented., Munich, Germany: Zuckschwerdt Verlag
- ↑ Lee JG (2009). “Diagnosis and management of acute cholangitis”. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 6 (9): 533–41. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2009.126. PMID 19652653.
Editor-In-Chief:
C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amandeep Singh M.D.[2] Farwa Haideri [3]