cholangitis /kō′lanjī″tis/ , inflammation of the bile ducts, caused either by bacterial invasion or by obstruction of the ducts by calculi or a tumor. The condition is characterized by severe right upper quadrant pain, jaundice (if an obstruction is present), and intermittent fever. Blood tests reveal an elevated level of serum bilirubin. Diagnosis is made by ultrasound evaluation and cholangiography. Treatment uses antibiotics for infection and surgery for acute obstruction. See also biliary calculus.
