How much do you know about acute cholangitis and its treatment?

• Acute cholangitis is inflammation and infection of the bile duct system caused by obstruction of the biliary tract.
• It can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and has a mortality rate of 88% if left untreated.
• Antibiotics are mandatory for treatment, as well as biliary decompression for complete remission.
• Risk factors include choledocholithiasis, malignancy, cholelithiasis, and previous cholangitis.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and altered mental status.
• The Charcot triad (abdominal pain, fever, jaundice) is present in 70% of cases, but is not associated with severity.
• The Reynold's pentad (jaundice, fever, RUQ pain, confusion, shock) indicates systemic disease and sepsis.
• Diagnosis is based on physical exam, blood tests (CBC, LFTs, blood cultures), and imaging (ultrasound, ERCP, MRCP).
• The Tokyo guidelines were revised in 2013 to improve sensitivity and reduce false positives.
• Treatment is good with prompt management, but poor if left untreated.

Test your knowledge on acute cholangitis, a serious condition that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and has a high mortality rate if left untreated. Learn about the risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic procedures for this condition. Discover the importance of antibiotics and biliary decompression in the treatment of acute cholangitis. Take this quiz to improve your understanding of this life-threatening condition and its management.