[Acute infectious cholangitis].

AIM

To know the results in the treatment of acute infectious cholangitis (IAC) and to identify risk factors related to morbidity and mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients with AIC in a 7 year period. Clinical presentation, diagnostic methods and treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 85 cases (61% females and 39% males). Abdominal pain, fever and jaundice were the symptoms most frequently observed. Choledocholithiasis was present in 75% of the cases, malignant obstruction in 12% and other causes in 13%. All patients received antibiotics and 74% underwent any form of biliary drainage. There were complications in 32% of the cases and 14% died. Malignant obstruction was related to high risk of death (OR 11.1).

CONCLUSION

The IAC is a potentially life-threatening disease and is most ominous in cases of malignant occlusion of biliary tree.