Cholangiohepatitis

Cholangiohepatitis is a biliary disease that is being seen more often in parts of Asia, especially in China and other Southeast Asian countries. The presence of stones, strictures, infection, and inflammation creates a vicious cycle that results in disease progression. The symptoms of RPC can be nonspecific, variable, and subtle in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may present with intermittent mild to severe cholangitis and sepsis. MRCP is the preferred imaging test for diagnosis, classification, and management planning. Definitive surgical treatment, depending on the extent of the disease, includes stone clearance and T-tube drainage, biliary drainage with bilioenteric anastomosis with or without access-loop hepaticojejunostomy, and resection of the involved liver segment.