Cholangitis
Cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct system. In order for cholangitis
to be present, there must be an obstruction to bile flow and presence
of bacteria within the bile ducts. The most common cause of cholangitis
is infection of the bile ducts due to blockage by a gallstone. The infection
may occur suddenly (acute) or may be chronic.
Other causes include a backflow of bacteria from the small intestine, a
blood infection (bacteriemia), or following a diagnostic procedure such
as an endoscopic examination. The infection causes pressure to build up
in the bile duct system.