title: Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: a review of imaging findings and clinical management.
abstract: Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is an infective process involving the biliary tree typified by pigmented intraductal calculi with dilatation of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree. Previously endemic to South-east Asia, RPC can now be seen in Western countries with the increasing access to international travel and immigration. Affected patients are often plagued by recurrent bouts of cholangitis, and commonly suffer from complications such as abscess formation and biliary strictures. In severe cases, cirrhosis with portal hypertension may develop. The disease is also a known risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma, and can be seen in up to 5% of affected patients. Its exact etiology is unknown, but parasitic infections such as Clonorchis sinensis and Ascaris lumbricoides, ascending bacterial infection with gut flora (Escherichia coli) and low socioeconomic status have been associated strongly with it. This paper reviews the imaging features of the disease, as well as the roles of interventional radiology and surgery with respect to management of the condition.
authors: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. kenneth.el.kwan@gmail.com.
authors: Kenneth Eng Ling
authors: KEL
authors: Kwan
authors: Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors: Vishalkumar G
authors: VG
authors: Shelat
authors: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors: Cher Heng
authors: CH
authors: Tan
mesh_terms: D002761:Cholangitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Biliary tree; Cholangitis; Hepatolithiasis; Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis