ascending cholangitis


chol·an·gi·tis len·ta

low-grade bacterial infection of the biliary tract; sometimes causes fever of unknown origin. Synonym(s): ascending cholangitis

ascending cholangitis

Acute bile duct inflammation.
Clinical findings Right upper quadrant pain that may radiate to the shoulder, variable severity, nausea, vomiting, constipation, episodic chills, fever, slow pulse, Murphy sign, anorexia, weight loss; spontaneous remission is rare.
Aetiology Stricture or obstruction of bile ducts, infection, pancreatic reflux, drugs, chemicals.
Lab Increased white cells (especially neutrophils), increased bilirubin, urobilinogen in urine.
Management Cholecystectomy.