Cholangitis

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Bile pathway

Digestive system

Cholangitis is an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a chemical that helps digest food.

Cholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur when the duct is blocked by things such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver.

Risk factors include a previous history of gallstones, biliary diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis, HIV, and, rarely, travel to countries where a worm or fluke infection can be contracted.

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.