Etymed
cholangitis
Definition
Inflammation of the bile ducts
Clinical context
A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain. He has a history of gallstones and has been experiencing similar episodes over the past few months. Physical examination reveals Murphy's sign and icterus. Blood work shows elevated bilirubin and white blood cell count. Ultrasound demonstrates dilated bile ducts with echogenic foci. The patient is diagnosed with acute cholangitis secondary to choledocholithiasis.
Mnemonic
Charcot's triad: fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain - remember 'C' for cholangitis, 'H' for hepatobiliary, 'A' for acute