Cholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur when the duct is obstructed by a gallstone, stricture, or tumor. Flukes and worms can sometimes become lodged in the bile duct and lead to this problem, but this is not common in the United States.

The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver. Risk factors include a previous history of gallstones, biliary diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis (primary or secondary), HIV, and rarely, travel to countries where a worm or fluke infection can be contracted.

• Recurrent jaundice
• Abdominal pain
  • In the right upper quadrant or middle of the upper abdomen
  • May be recurrent
  • Sharp or cramping or dull
  • May radiate to the back or below the right shoulder blade
• Chills
• Fever
• Clay-colored stools (may occur)
• Dark urine (may occur)
• Nausea and vomiting

Tests that show obstruction or infection of the bile duct:

• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) examines the biliary (liver secretion) system and the pancreatic duct
• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
• Abdominal ultrasound
• MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)

Blood tests that may be affected include:

• Liver function tests
• Bilirubin levels
• WBC -- increased white blood cells

• Sepsis

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of cholangitis develop.

Call your provider if cholangitis symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.