Ascending cholangitis
Ascending cholangitis is a bacterial infection of the biliary tree. The most common predisposing factor is gallstones.
Charcot's triad of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, fever and jaundice occurs in about 20-50% of patients
Management
Charcot's triad of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, fever and jaundice occurs in about 20-50% of patients
- fever is the most common feature, seen in 90% of patients
- RUQ pain 70%
- jaundice 60%
- hypotension and confusion are also common
Management
- intravenous antibiotics
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after 24-48 hours to relieve any obstruction