Cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct system, most commonly caused by bacteria ascending from the intestine when bile flow is obstructed by a gallstone, stricture, or tumor. The classic presentation, known as Charcot’s triad, includes right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice. On ultrasound, findings that suggest cholangitis include a dilated common bile duct, thickened duct walls, the presence of an obstructing stone or mass, and sometimes debris or pus within the bile ducts. Acute cholangitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt antibiotic treatment and relief of the obstruction, and ultrasound is often the first imaging study performed to identify the underlying cause.
Sonography Term