Final answer:
Acute cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts characterized by Charcot's triad: fever, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and jaundice. It can be caused by gallstones, liver flukes, or autoimmune conditions, and if chronic, may lead to further liver and biliary complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute Cholangitis (Charcot's Triad)
Acute cholangitis, often presented as Charcot's triad, is a serious infection of the biliary tree, caused by the obstruction of the bile ducts. This obstruction can lead to bile entering the bloodstream and urine, causing symptoms like jaundice. Acute cholangitis is characterized by high fever, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and jaundice. However, in its chronic phase, it can lead to other conditions such as cholangitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis.
One common cause of acute cholangitis is gallstones, which can block the bile ducts as indicated in the provided figure by BruceBlaus. This blockage leads to biliary tree obstruction and contributes to the presentation of Charcot's triad. Other causes can include liver flukes, such as Fasciola species, which initially cause gastrointestinal symptoms but may progress to biliary tract diseases if they reach the chronic stage. Additionally, primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis are autoimmune diseases that can affect the bile ducts and potentially lead to cholangitis.
Acute cholangitis, known for Charcot's triad, is a serious infection of the biliary tract caused by blockages that result in fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain. Chronic obstructive conditions can lead to complications including cirrhosis and pancreatitis.